Thirty-four years ago cinema audiences had their first chance to see Jaws, the film that many historians believe triggered Hollywood's interest in summer 'event' movies. As CinemaSpy previews what are likely to be the three biggest films coming this summer, it is interesting to reflect on whether any of them will have the same power and influence over audiences and film studios that Steven Spielberg's masterpiece had.

Evidence of that power and influence can be found in the enthusiasm of Jaws fans at this year's Los Angeles United Film Festival. The festival is screening the original film and a documentary on its impact and legacy, called The Shark is Still Working, and audiences have been snapping up tickets. The festival organisers have had to add an additional screening of the documentary because the two screenings that were originally scheduled have already sold out.

The Shark is Still Working was made independently by a group of Jaws fans with the co-operation of many of the actors and crew involved in Spielberg's film. These include Jaws Screenwriter Carl Gottlieb and Production Designer Joe Alves (the director of Jaws 3D), both of whom are scheduled to appear at the festival. The title of the documentary was inspired by a phrase spoken when the mechanical shark used in the making of Jaws malfunctioned, "The shark is not working."

The makers of The Shark is Still Working had hoped at one time that the documentary would be released by Universal, which distributed Jaws. However, no theatrical or DVD distributor has yet picked up the film for wide release.

The Los Angeles United Film Festival runs from April 30 to May 7. Jaws will be screened on 30 April at the Vista Theatre. The Shark is Still Working is an official selection at the festival. It will be shown first on May 2 and again on May 3 at Los Feliz 3 Cinemas. More information can be found on the festival website.

CinemaSpy was able to obtain an early screener of The Shark is Still Working, which is reviewed here.