Sundance Diaries: 'Gosh!' Jerusha Hess Talks 20 Years of Life After Napoleon Dynamite

  • January 21, 2024
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It's been 20 years since local filmmakers Jared and Jerusha Hess gifted the world "Napoleon Dynamite," and since it's debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004, it has become a cult classic. Jon Heder's epic portrayal of Napoleon Dynamite spawned decades of Napoleon references, spin-off cartoons, Vote for Pedro shirts, a fondness for chapstick and tater tots and the list goes on. 

2024 also marks 40 years of the Sundance Film Festival. Robert Redford's vision brought to life in the mountain town of Park City has grown into one of the most celebrated film festivals in the world. To commemorate 40 years, the festival is re-screening some of its most memorable film premiers throughout its time. 

"Napoleon Dynamite" returns to Sundance for a 20th anniversary screening on Wednesday, January 24 at the Ray Theatre in Park City.

Co-writer Jerusha Hess talked to KRCL ahead of the screening, sharing memorable moments from her early days making the film and the work she and Jared Hess have done since. 

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