By Eugene Hernandez

Minutes before his world premiere at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival on Friday, director Tim Kirkman took the stage at the Raquet Club Theater to introduce his debut narrative feature. But first, clutching a small camera and smiling, he took a picture of the audience. Kirkman is an experienced indie filmmaker who has directed two feature docs, and worked for 12 years at Miramax, but at age 38 he is a Sundance virgin. So, like any other Sundance first-timer this is a truly special moment for him.

[Director Tim Kirkman at the first Sundance screening of his feature film, "Loggerheads." Photo by Eugene Hernandez/indieWIRE.]

Introducing the film, Sundance Film Festival director of programming John Cooper reflected on how hard it can be to come up with 16 films for Sundance's dramatic competition, but praising Kirkman's "Loggerheads," he said that when he and the other programmers saw the film, the decision was easy.

"It means a great deal to me professionally, because it means people are paying attention," Kirkman explained during a conversation last week, when asked to discuss his feelings about being invited to attend Sundance. "It's an opportunity for me, it's an opportunity I may never have again."

As we chat, it's clear that Kirkman can't quite contain his excitement about being here at the festival. "I am not gonna be cool about this, I am giddy," Kirkman enthused, "I know how lucky I am."

Kirkman's "Loggerheads," its title taken from the name of sea turtles admired by the film's lead, is a mature effort, dealing with the difficult issues surrounding adoption. It is based on a true story. Kip Pardue stars as the nomadic turtle-watcher who has left behind family and friends. As we get to know his character a bit better, we are introduced to a trio of stories affecting and impacted by his own.

"Because adoption is such a volatile subject, I am really curious to see how people respond," Kirkman explained, later admitting at Friday's screening that adoption has also been a part of his own family.

"I am so glad I am 38 and not 28," Kirkman said as we talked further, getting back to his adventures in the screen trade. "I have worked in the lions den," Kirkman reflected, "There is very little that can do more than amuse me."

For ten years, while also making movies, Kirkman worked in marketing at Miramax as a staffer and freelancer. The director, who like every other Sundance virgin is hoping to find a distribution home for his film, is not afraid of the business side of things, in fact he relishes the opportunity to work with a buyer if they want his expertise.

"We talk about the biz side as if it's bad or dirty," Kirkman explained, "But I want people to see my movie."

While he may not have been to Sundance before, Kirkman is a veteran of film festivals, having widely screened his films "Dear Jesse" and "The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me." So when asked for advice to younger filmmakers who may be attending their first fest, Kirkman said, "Go to every screening (of your film) and watch the film." And he added, "Don’t get caught up in the parties, a week from now it won’t matter," but he said, "Really have fun and don’t take it too seriously."

Concluding he said, after thinking about it a bit further, "Relinquish control where you have no control and you will have a much better time."