Slamdance, a year-round organization by filmmakers for filmmakers, announced today the opening night film for the 30th edition of their annual festival. Oscar winning filmmaker Carol Dysinger’s (Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)) documentary, One Bullet, will screen on Friday, January 19, kicking off the festival.

One Bullet tells the story of the mother of an Afghan teenager who was shot in front of his house, dying of his wounds two years later – and the scars left on their family by the experience — through the lens of a friendship. A labor of love and understanding, One Bullet is a film eighteen years in the making and is an essential film about Afghanistan, America, and the reality of war.

“As an artist-driven festival, Slamdance has always recognized the act of madness that some kinds of filmmaking can be – the kind that takes a different path, a longitudinal angle of view – and this is what the world needs right now,” stated director Carol Dysinger. “To have the story of Bibi Hajji and our relationship unfolding through years and years of war opening the 30th Anniversary edition of Slamdance is a gift and a testament to the power of friendship. This is the story of what one bullet did to one family. Now, do the math. This is one of the reasons that wars never end.”

Slamdance also announced today that it will return to The Doubletree Park City – The Yarrow for the festival this year, which will run January 19-25, 2024. The location marks a return home for the organization, which had screenings at several locations in its inaugural year, including The Yarrow and the University of Utah, which will also be hosting screenings this year.

The Yarrow is located in the heart of Park City and is fully ADA-compliant, allowing Slamdance to further its commitment to visibility and accessibility for both its filmmakers and audiences.