PARK CITY — History was made at Sundance's kid-brother festival this past week. For the first time in Slamdance's 11-year existence, eager movie watchers actually camped out overnight to buy tickets for the off-spin film event. And, yes, you guessed correctly: They were indeed "Lord of the Rings" fans. While addressing the sold-out audience before her movie's world-premiere Friday at midnight, the director told the happy campers who braved the freezing Park City air, "I salute you." Carlene Cordova's documentary "Ringers: Lord of the Fans" spent the next couple of hours saluting J.R.R. Tolkien and the celebrated work he created 50 years ago — a phenomenon that has inspired hippies and cyber geeks, influenced artists in literature, movie and music industries, and entertained and entranced millions in multiple generations. [More]

Belladonna writes: Having had the privilege of attending the premiere screening of Ringers: Lord of the Fans at Slamdance in Park City yesterday, I wanted to let you all know that the first batch of photos is online. They are located here. There will be more coming in that same space, including from a second screening in Salt Lake later this week. Oh, and the movie was excellent!

Also check out Slamdance.com's Spykam which posted several photos from Ringers events: Camped Out For Ringers & Ringers: Instant Cult Classic?

Slamdance documentary "Ringers: Lord of the Fans" hopes to capitalize on the tremendous success of the recent "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy by chronicling the original book's impact on popular culture for the last 50 years and its dedicated fans dubbed "Ringers." "It's strange, it's deep, it goes a lot of different directions," said director Carlene Cordova, who co-wrote the movie along with Cliff Broadway. The two also produced the movie along with Tom Desanto, who produced the two "X-Men" movies. [More]

From the Daily News of Washington, comes a story pointing out a dozen or so fantasy authors for fans of the genre. Many of these may long be familiar to Tolkien readers, but on the off chance some might not be, who doesn't like discovering new authors? [More]

Award-winning J.R.R. Tolkien scholars Tom Shippey and Douglas A. Anderson will participate in a panel on "The Lord of the Rings at Fifty" at Illinois Central College's Performing Arts Center, East Peoria, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29.

The presentation, sponsored by the college's English department, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Professor Mike Foster.

Sideshow/Weta Collectibles has had a few of their previously sold out statues come back into stock, due to customer cancellations and credit card declines. Less than 100 pieces of Gandalf on Shadowfax and the Balrog - Flame of Udun have been added back on their Minas Morgul Specials page. If you missed out on these statues before, this is probably the last time you will get them at retail value. [Click Here]

Here is a list of ORC stories from the last week, tons of reviews, photos and more! Get your ORC fill before we start planning for ORC II!! [More]

Professor Jane Chance has been added to the schedule of the spring arts and lecture series at Cal State San Marcos, California. Chance will deliver a talk titled "Tolkien and the Other: Gender and Race in Middle-Earth" on April 22. [More]

From the Naples Daily News, Terry Mattingly writes: "In 2002 and 2003, Jackson and other artists behind the films sat down for roundtable discussions with religion-news specialists and critics from religious media. The questions ranged from the nature of evil to computer-generated monsters, from salvation to elvish poetry." [More]

Liv Tyler's latest film 'Lonesome Jim' will premiere tonight at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is directed by funnyman Steve Buscemi and also stars Casey Affleck. [Sundance.com]

Antony writes: For The Love Of The Rings. An interview with the cast and crew of Fellowship! The Musical. I was skeptical as I walked by the El Portal Theater a few blocks from my tiny little apartment in North Hollywood. A poster heralded the arrival of FELLOWSHIP! THE MUSICAL. [More]

TORn Staffer MrCere writes: PARK CITY, UT - Officially, 'RINGERS Lord of the Fans' is now a released film! [More]

Check out TORn Staffer Tehanu's latest set report from Narnia at TheOneLion.net! "On my next visit, things are a lot quieter in the Henderson film lot, and I have the chance to watch people preparing some of the other sets. The first thing I see is the great hall in the Witch's House. Again, it's built inside one of the big packing sheds that are used as soundstages, but once inside you forget that..." [More]

Ringer Spy djdeathskiss sends along the February issue of Dreamwatch Magazine that features an interview with Dominic Monaghan regarding 'Lost'. [More]

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - "Lord of the Rings" star Orlando Bloom will present an Academy Award at next month's ceremony, organisers of cinema's top awards announced. The 28-year-old British actor is the third star to sign up to present Oscar statuettes, following last year's best actress winner, Charlize Theron, and Renee Zellweger. Bloom starred as the elf Legolas in Peter Jackson's Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy, whose latest instalment swept the 2004 Oscars. [More]

Sarumann, TORN volunteer and Might-Ringer himself was granted a special privilege and saw 'Ringers: Lord of the Fans' recently. Here is his review! (originally posted on the Ringers Message Board) Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Men and Wizards unite! The exponentially growing fan community of The Lord of the Rings finally get their moment to shine in the new documentary: Ringers: Lord of the Fans. [More]

Losillë sends along this great entry from the World Without Sundays website. "We played all three nights this weekend. Friday was at the O.R.C. convention which stands for something to do with Lord of the Rings. It was really fun. Thanks to everyone there for the warm welcome. They had a chocolate fountain and rice crispy treats on sticks but the bar closed too early. Those two factors kind of cancel each other out, but the audience was fantastic... really fun people. Sooner or later someone will realize that we, in fact, had nothing to do with Lord of the Rings and the bubble will burst. Until then... still party time." [More]

(Next year...we'll keep the bars open MUCH later -Xo)

As many of you know, 'Ringers: Lord of the Fans' will make its premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah this weekend. Good luck to the Ringers Crew!! [Slamdance.com] [Ringers]

Update: Xoanon here with an update from Park City, Cliff 'Quickbeam' Broadway just called in to report that tickets for the premiere screening tonight were SOLD out in less than an hour. Apparently fans were camping out outsite the ticket booth (in 20F by the way) waiting for it to open. But worry not! 3 more screenings are planned at the Murray Theatre, check out the Ringers site for more info.

Billy Boyd's latest film 'On A Clear Day' will make its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival today (8:00PM at Abravanel Hall), no word yet if Billy will be there. [Sundance.com]

"The Great among these spirits the Elves name the Valar, the Powers of Arda, and Men have often called them gods." (The Silmarillion) As we continue our discussion of Tolkien’s mammoth history, we turn our thoughts to those most enigmatic and interesting of his creation, the Valar. Servants of Ilúvatar, formers of Middle Earth, of all of Tolkien’s creatures, perhaps none have been more discussed, debated and wondered at. [More]

Our good friend Rebecca writes: I wanted to ask if you could put an update notice on the TORN regarding Bruce Hopkin's site - Janet has updated it with Bruce/Royd Tolkien photos from Orc:) Thanks a bunch and have a great weekend! [More]

Samantha writes: Last night I went to see a musical parody of FOTR in a small theater in North Hollywood, CA. It was just hysterical. Really, really well done, and much better than my friend and I were expecting. It has gotten rave reviews by critics and all, and, I think, every night sells out. [More]

Ringer spy "Well he's back" writes: From the blog site of the Journal of Improbable Research: Curiosities of Bio Nomencalture...Leigh Van Valen has expanded the horizons of paleontology into Middle Earth by naming at least 21 paleocene mammals after characters from Tolkien, including Bomburia, Earendil, Fimbrethil ambaronae, and more. Tolkien has inspired other taxonomists, too, but none others to such an extent. [More]

Green Books re-emerges with a few new items for the new year! First, there's a new Science of Middle-earth column by our regular Special Guest, Olog-Hai. This one is about the fabled Kine of Araw. And Turgon gives us the the story of Fáfnir, whom Tolkien called "the prince of all dragons." This addenda to The Tolkien Fan's Medieval Reader is a web exclusive, not available in the book, but only at Green Books!

[Read Olog-Hai's Guest Column]
[Read Turgon's Bookshelf]

Michael writes: One of the independent theatres in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, a restored 1920s cinema called the Movie Palace, has been showing ROTK:EE this month. Their final showing is Sunday, Jan 30th, at 12:30 pm. From all reports, the restoration of the theatre alone, which was done late last year, is worth the measly price of admission ($9.00 Cdn). [More]

Skybeing writes: There will be a discussion group Tuesday January 25th 7PM - 9PM to discuss the differences between the novel and the movies. More information can be obtained by calling 302-366-0963.

The irresistible pull of Middle Earth has the Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy on track to eclipse Star Wars as the most popular museum exhibition staged in Sydney. The city's Powerhouse Museum is drawing crowds in significant numbers with more than 65,000 people mirroring the record-breaking seasons in Wellington, London and Boston. [More]

A miniature Mexico – complete with tiny cactus plants and replica sand – has been created in Wellington for the filming of big-budget Hollywood movie The Legend of Zorro. But it took a bit of work convincing Hollywood movie executives the project would be possible, Kiwi-born director Martin Campbell said during filming at a secret location yesterday. [More]

Charles Ross, the ONE MAN in 'The One Man Star Wars' and 'The One Man Lord of the Rings' is a MUST SEE for any fan of the genre. I had the chance to see Ross performance at ORC, what a blast! Take a look at his upcoming show at the Apollo. [More]

The folks from IESB write: Just when you thought that all of the Lord of the Rings madness was over Ringers: Lord of the Fans makes it's debut this week at the Slamdance Film Festival. But before you see the film listen to the creative minds behind this project on what you can expect on this labor of love. [More]

ORC: The One Ring Celebration Gallery II

Part of the hardworking team behind ORC Garfeimao & MrCere as well as others send along these images from this past weekend. Take a look! [More]

If there is anything TORn has learned by running three Oscar Parties and now our first Celebration, it is that there is always room for improvement! With that in mind, we are in the process of compiling an in-depth survey for ORC attendees to fill out. This survey will be available online within the next week, and will help us make next year's event even better!

Our very own Quickbeam writes: Hey guys! Here is the graphic invite for our RINGERS CHARITY CASINO....this is going to be a really big event. Anyone can buy in for a minimum of $100. Ringer fans from Salt Lake City are encouraged to confirm their attendance. Bruce Hopkins will be there (among many other celebs). Proceeds are split between the American Red Cross Tsunami Aid charity and the IAmaVolunteer.org [More]

JPB writes: The One Ring Celebration is known by many to have brought the celebrities to the fans in a series of fun and informative conversations, Q&A sessions, and autograph/photo opportunities. All of these were hosted in the large. main auditorium of the Pasadena Convention Center. [More]

Nataliya A research project on The Lord of the Rings has been launched at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. The project, taking Cultural Studies approach, examines a series of cultural issues triggered both by J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel and Peter Jackson’s films. It targets academic audience as well as popular readers. The outcome of the project includes a book, provisionally entitled How We Became Middle-earth. All persons interested in making a contribution are welcomed to contact either Dr. Adam Lam or Nataliya Oryshchuk for further information on the project.

Last week I heard rumors that Orlando Bloom was going to present at the Golden Globes. All those who didn't attend ORC got the chance to see him on TV, here's the story why; Tobey Maguire was supposed to have presented the best actor Golden Globe to his pal Leonardo DiCaprio the other night, but his handlers decided against it at the last minute because, according to the New York Post, he was too flabby. [More]

Marysia writes: Return of the Convention (25th-28th March 2005 in Bristol, UK) will be attended by artists Alan Lee and John Howe. All profits from the event will go to The Red Cross who are deeply involved in current relief efforts after the Asian Tsunami. [More]

The folks from Empire Theatre Trust writes: This Saturday, 22nd January at 6.00pm LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING returns to the EmpireTheatre, Halstead for a chance to see this fantastic finale to the triology on the BIG SCREEN in addition we are offering the chance for anyone who comes to win the DVD Box Set of the Lord of the Rings Triology (6 cd set). Just come along as one of the characters from the films and there will be a competition for the "Best Dressed". [More]

On January 15th, 2005 TheOneRing.net and Creation Entertainment presented THE ONE RING AWARDS at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. Here is the list of nominees and winners. This list also includes the art show and costume contest winners. Congratulations to all! See you next year! [More]

PASADENA - The image bouncing around my cranium is difficult to comprehend, much less explain, but as I sit on an airplane and head either to or from an event as I did this past weekend at the first annual One Ring Celebration – known as O.R.C. – I find it lurking behind other mental pictures waiting for its turn to be viewed. [More]

Here is Celebriel’s recap of Sunday events she attended at ORC: Ringers got an early start on Sunday, gathering before 9 AM for the elegant celebrity brunch and silent auction at Delmonico’s, across from the Pasadena Center. In addition to champagne, coffee, and juice, French toast, bacon and sausage, prime rib, salmon, oysters and other items were plentiful. [More]

PASADENA - Not sure if you heard - but - TheOneRing.net and Creation Entertainment slapped a little event together in Pasadena, California last weekend that set the Tolkien community buzzing. Not to name drop but Sean Astin, Peter Beagle, Billy Boyd, John Rhys-Davies, Daniel Falconer, Bruce Hopkins, Dominic Monaghan, Ted Nasmith, Charlie Ross, Peter Tait, Royd Tolkien, Elijah Wood and Greg Wright all stopped by (just to name a few of the more noteworthy guests) to add to support the event. [More]

Thanks to almost all of TORN attending ORC, we happened to miss an event not 20 minutes away from us, the Golden Globes! While Dominic Monaghan and Cate Blanchett did not win, LOTR composer Howard Shore did indeed win for his work on 'The Aviator'. [More]

The latest newsletter is ready to go! Do you want to receive our free weekly newsletter? Packed with tons of info to keep you up to date on the latest? Plus filled with exclusives from time to time! Join the crowd of over 22 150 mailing list members! Sign up now! [More]

Kyle writes: My name is Kyle Pedley and I run a film group in England who are currently in the pre-production stages of the 'The Lord of the Bling' trilogy, the first feature-length parody trilogy of Peter Jacksons 'LOTR' movies. We have been very fortunate in securing the help of the Hansens who will be producing high quality replicas of the rings in the movies using exactly the same techniques as the originals. [More]

The folks from WhoMag write: Check out this exclusive interview with Sean Astin, as he talks about his leading role as Samwise in The Lord of the Rings, his acting career, and his new book in stores now! [More]

William sends along three Windows Media Files featuring some great goofy LOTR themed animations. Take a look! [Cartoon 1] [Cartoon 2] [Cartoon 3]

The January 19th edition of 'The Screen Savers' (on Tech TV) will feature a special on ORC! Be sure to watch (and possibly TiVo) it! [More]

Celebriel recaps some of the highlights of the Saturday sessions and events at ORC: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us,” said Gandalf. The wizard’s wisdom was never more relevant than on Saturday at The One Ring Celebration at the Pasadena Convention Center. The day’s choices included Main Stage programs with three hobbits, three parallel programming tracks (scholars and artists, costuming, and children’s activities), photo and autograph sessions, and the costume contest and masquerade. Any vendors selling Hermione Granger’s Time-Turner™ would have done a brisk business. [More]

Elycia writes: This year's list of Academy Award winners already has a LOTR connection. (From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Atlanta-based Giant Studios has won a technical achievement award and in a Feb. 12 ceremony will receive an academy certificate noting the development of the company's motion-capture technology, instrumental in the creation of Gollum in the "Lord of the Rings" movies. [More]

Obviously the next best thing to getting a plug on Oprah's Book Club is having Peter Jackson announce he wants to make your book his next movie project. Sales of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones have exploded since the local director confirmed it will be next on his filming agenda. "We've increased our sales by 400 per cent," Whitcoulls book promotions manager Dorothy Vinicombe said. [More]

Order 'The Lovely Bones' on Amazon.com today!

The characterization may not be fair, but for 11 years the Slamdance Film Festival has been seen by many movie-industry types as merely the Sundance stepchild. And the notion is only reinforced by the two festivals' concurrent scheduling in Park City each year, as if Slamdance is merely riding on Sundance's considerable coattails. But as Hobbits invade this year's festival, Slamdance may finally get the respect it deserves. Slamdance has scored what is arguably the biggest star event in Park City this year — the documentary "Ringers: Lord of the Fans," a look at J.R.R. Tolkein fans, narrated by "Lord of the Rings" star Dominic Monaghan, who is also a star on the new hit TV series "Lost." Monaghan is expected to be in attendance for some of the film's screenings, along with "Rings" co-stars Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen and Billy Boyd. [More] [RINGERS: Lord of the Fans]

From the Dallas Comicon website: LOTR fans unite! We are very pleased to annouce the addition of a fan-favorite actor, Sean Astin! Sean, known to many fans as 'Samwise (Sam) Gamgee' in the LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY and Mikey from GOONIES has just finished writing his first book "There and Back Again, An Actor's Tale". [scifiexpo.com]

Michael Drout, a professor at Wheaton College in Norton, will deliver a lecture Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Duxbury Library on "The Lord of the Rings: What the Films Left Out." A professor of Anglo-Saxon literature, Drout is considered an authority on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings." He has spoken twice before at the Duxbury Library on the connections between Tolkien's fantasy series and the literature of the early Middle Ages. Wednesday's talk will focus on elements of Tolkien's epic that the filmmakers could not fit into the three recent films on the "Rings" trilogy. Drout said those missing aspects of the books are important to understanding the fictional world of Middle Earth. [More]