The Sundance Film Festival is famed for unearthing big screen gems and as the 2006 cinematic shindig kicks off on Thursday 19 January, it’s time to unveil this years jury.

Dishing out the gongs for American features will be The Good Girl helmer Miguel Arteta, Crash star Terrence Howard, Afterglow lenser Alan Rudolph and writer/director Audrey Wells, who handled megaphone duties for Shall We Dance.

The festival director Geoffrey Gilmore is proud that the festival is returning to its indie roots by foraging for talent in places other festivals fear to tread.

“I'm not worried about the quality of the films or the excitement this return to our roots will produce,” Gilmore stated. “I want people to take a step back when it's over and say, 'God, what a great class of directors this is'".

Judging the US documentary category will be Sideways scribbler-helmer Alexander Payne, director/editor Joe Bini, documentary producer/lenser Heather Rae and documentary filmmakers Zana Briski and Andrew Jarecki.

Our very own Jamie Graham will be attending the festivities in Park City, Utah. Keep an eye out for his online updates...

Click here for more details from the official Sundance website.