Director Brett Morgen
© AFP/Getty Images/File Giulio MarococchiSALT LAKE CITY, United States (AFP) - The film, "Chicago 10," depicts the tumultuous events that unfolded during the convention in the city 38 years ago when anti-war protestors were galvanised against the war in Vietnam.
"We are pleased to open the 2007 Sundance Film Festival with Brett Morgen's 'Chicago 10,'" Sundance director Geoffrey Gilmore said.
Highly publicized clashes with Chicago police and National Guard units resulted in many arrests and a high-profile trial of eight of the most vocal protesters.
Among those on trial were Bobby Seale, who was co-chair of the Black Panther Party, and counter-culture icon Abbie Hoffman.
Activist Jerry Rubin and pacifist David Dellinger were also on trial and defended by famed liberal attorney Leonard Weinglass.
The compelling trial and sometimes bizarre courtroom drama was presided over by powerful Judge Julius Hoffman.
Since its inception, the Sundance Film Festival has programmed documentary alongside narrative films as part of its committment to independent filmmaking.
The festival is the premiere showcase for US and international independent films. Held each January in Park City, Utah, the festival is a core program of the Sundance Institute founded by Robert Redford in 1981.
©AFP