Sundance Film Festival still a star-maker at 30

David Lynch, Alexandria Jones, Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Isabella Rossellini in 1988. (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

Jan. 15, 2014 1:03 PM PT

As the film festival celebrates its 30th anniversary, these photos are a reminder of how truly intimate the event once was — and also how exciting the meetings it creates can be, bringing together critic Roger Ebert with provocateur Michael Moore, or maverick filmmakers such as John Sayles and Robert Altman.

John Sayles and Robert Altman, Tanner in 1988. Photo by Sandria Miller. Courtesy (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

Clint Eastwood in 1990. (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

Roger Ebert and Michael Moore in 1990. (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

Todd Haynes, 1991. (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

John Turturro, 1992. (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

Sam Shephard during a Q&A for “Silent Tongue” in 1993. (Steve Fugikawa / Sundance Institute)

Robert Rodriguez for “El Mariachi” in 1993. (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

Robert Redford in 1994. (Tom Smart / Getty Images)

Mark Wahlberg, left, for “Basketball Diaries” in 1995. (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

Ed Burns, 1995. (Sandria Miller / Sundance Institute)

Scott Hicks, for “Shine,” in 1996. (Ken Regan / Sundance Institute)

Colored flags, tourists, and automobiles fill Main Street during the 15th annual Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 22, 1996, in Park City, Utah. (STEVE C. WILSON / AP)