Tag Archives: sundance
Could Global Events Affect the Sundance Film Festival?
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival is upon us! Scheduled to take place in Park City, Utah, Jan. 23- Feb. 2, eyes were already scrutinizing the venerable independent filmmaker program after they announced a possible relocation for 2027 and beyond. When The Sundance Institute took over the seven-year-old Utah/U.S. Film Festival in 1985, they had no idea it would become the country’s premiere film festival nearly 40 years later with 423,234 combined in-person and online viewership in 2023. But could global events affect the Sundance Film Festival and finally push them out of little ol’ Park City?
It’s hard to ignore the subtle decline in enthusiasm for the Fest. Overcrowding (which the Covid pandemic actually helped quell), the increased cost of attending Sundance (tickets are $35/film this year and lodging is through the roof), and the ease of streaming have taken their toll. And, as other festivals, filmmakers, or film-related events have risen in prominence, attention has waned for the Utah fest both with the media and film industry. Think about it, if someone doesn’t write and talk publicly about a Sundance movie, will anyone care about it?
Some critics argue that in recent years, Sundance’s selection process has become more focused on films that are trendy or politically charged, rather than films with innovative storytelling, fresh voices, or unique perspectives.** This has led to a perception that the festival has sacrificed the artistic edge that once set it apart in favor of more predictable, formulaic programming. That is so not true! Just look at the programming for this year’s Fest. Still, perception trumps reality when it comes to social influencing that attempts to portray Sundance as an elitist gathering for industry professionals.
**Of the 4,138 feature film submissions, 1,591 were from the U.S. and 2,547 were international; 1,207 (32%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as women; 74 (2%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as nonbinary or gender-nonconforming individuals; 1,834 (51%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as people of color; 555 (19%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as LGBTQ+; 34 (1%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as transgender; 219 (6%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as having a disability.
It’s Not the Content but the Platform
Filmmaking itself has evolved, with new formats (like short-form content, web series, and experimental virtual reality) and methods of distribution challenging traditional forms of storytelling. While Sundance has made efforts to adapt to these shifts by offering a significant portion of their Fest online, the “progress” has ironically eroded the in-person festival experience. Why spend thousands of dollars to travel to a cold, crowded clime when you can watch films from home?
Other Reasons To Stay Home
Even if the cost of traveling in- and to- the US hadn’t skyrocketed, there is so much happening in the world today that many former Sundance regulars must take a break. This year, many of them are coming from California which is still fighting fires, homeowners’ insurance claims, and the stress of what’s to come. We probably won’t know the impact of this tragedy on attendance until the end of the Fest when numbers are announced.
So what will Sundance 2025 look like? Your guess is as good as mine. Day One is in the can so to speak, with screenings that began at noon and ran through nearly midnight. Every single one sold out. Looks like a healthy sign to us!
Who’s Coming to Sundance 2024
Trying to spot a celebrity during the Sundance 2024 Film Festival is a bit like playing Where’s Waldo. Sure, you could wander Park City’s Main Street, watching for a horde of paparazzi, but you might be fooled. Once, I walked up and asked a guy with a fancy camera whom he was shooting and he said, “No idea but everyone else is taking their picture so I figured it must be someone important.” It certainly wasn’t anyone I recognized so I moved along.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of someone famous in the film biz, your best bet is to stand outside in the cold just before one of the film premieres at Eccles or The Egyptian Theater but it’s way more exciting to brush elbows as they exit the Filmmaker Lodge or The Variety Studio.
You may be wondering, however, who you’re looking for. No sense wasting your time searching for a selfie with Paul Rudd if he never caught a flight to SLC, right?
Here’s your Ski Play Live cheatsheet for this first weekend of Sundance to help with your budding paparazzi career. First, the list of who’s who and who might be in Utah and then the list of the buzzworthy films they are representing.
Who’s at Sundance 2024
Some of these names you may recognize, some will just be emerging. Pay close attention though because these sightings are as elusive as a white fox.
Saoirse Ronan, Phoebe-Rae Taylor, Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, Michael Chernus, Courtney Taylor, Judith Light, Paapa Essiedu, Stephen Dillane, Saskia Reeves, Laura Linney, Steven Soderbergh, Jesse Eisenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sue Bird, Lucy Lawless, André Holland, Debra Granik, Jay Ellis, Rashaad Newsome, Navid Khonsari, Sandra Rodriguez, Emma Stone, Margot Robbie, Kristen Stewart, Lily Gladstone, David Alan Grier, Demario Driver, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Jay Ellis, Ji-Young Yoo, Justice Smith, Keir Gilchrist, Michelle Farrah Huang, Normani, Anna Boden, Carlos Lopez Estrada, Dawn Porter, Kobi Libii, Ryan Fleck, Datari Turner, Debby Wolfe, Debra Martin Chase, Jelani Johnson, Leah Smith, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Poppy Hanks, Sonja Warfield, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries, Shondrella Avery, Tom Lefler, Mädchen Amick, Clark Gregg, Theo Germaine, Simone Kirby, Walt Klink, Rob Morrow, Chris Sullivan, Amy Aniobi, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Sonja Warfield, Debby Wolfe, Chrissy Teigen, David Chang, Joel Kim Booster, Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jennifer Grey, Ed Harris, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Jeff Zimbalist, Bella Heathcote, Jason Schwartzman, Carol Kane, Alicia Silverstone, Kevin Connolly, Jason Momoa, Haylie Duff, Kieran Culkin, Will Ferrell, Josh Greenbaum, Pedro Pascal, Dominique Thorne, Ben Mendelsohn, Steven Yeun, Fred Durst, Lucy Liu, Glen Powell, Camila Cabello, Connie Britton, DEVO, Justice Smith, Jay Ellis, Retta, Robert Downey Jr., Christine Vachon, Jodie Foster, Mary Robinson, Christopher Nolan, Celine Song, Maite Alberdi, Pat Mitchell, June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Malcolm McDowell, Nicole Byer and Coral Peña.
Sundance 2024 Films with Buzz
When Robert Redford’s Park City Film Festival officially became the Sundance Film Festival in 1991, we saw the indie film revolution. Movies like Sex, Lies and Videotape, The Blair Witch and Winter’s Bone may never have found an audience were it not for the studio bidding wars that erupted in this small ski town.
Utah became ground zero for new filmmakers, new voices, and new discoveries. Even today, 40 years later, the industry looks to Sundance for its next breed of artists.
This year’s Sundance features less films than in the past few years (36 less than in 2020) as organizers attempt to create a more intimate atmosphere and allow more opportunities to see the chosen films during the 10-day. Here are 11 that have already stirred up some chatter.
Sebastian Stan is aspiring actor Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare, as he loses out on the role he was born to play and becomes obsessed with reclaiming what was lost.
Pedro Pascale stars in this storyweb where teen punks defend their turf against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo battles for hip-hop immortality, a weary henchman gets a shot at redemption, and an NBA All-Star settles the score. Basically another day in the Bay.
Teenage girls from wildly different backgrounds across Missouri navigate a week-long immersive experiment in American democracy, build a government from the ground up, and reimagine what it means to govern.
Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own.
Reclusive gym manager Lou falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Las Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family.
The love story of a smart buoy and an orbiting satellite inhabited in different forms by Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun that spans a billion years and probes the mysteries of being and consciousness.
The summer before college, bright-yet-irreverent Elliott comes face-to-face with her older self during a mushroom trip.
Rona returns to the wild beauty of Scotland’s Orkney Islands — where she grew up — hoping to heal from drug and alcohol addiction.
Mismatched cousins David and Benji reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother, a holocaust survivor.
When Will Ferrell finds out his close friend of 30 years is coming out as a trans woman, the two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship.
’24 Sundance Film Festival Deals For Utah Locals
| All eyes will be on this year’s Sundance Film Festival. With the writers’ and actors’ strikes pushing productions into mid-2024, if the studios want fresh content, they’re going to have to look at the indies- which is something Sundance does best. But one of the biggest complaints regarding the annual independent film festival is that it forces out the locals. The People in Black swarm the tiny resort town of Park City, Utah, and everyone else gets displaced. Not to mention (but we will), who wants to spend $30 (!!) to see a movie that may not even be worth it? Here are some Sundance Film Festival Deals for Utah locals that might entice us to stick around and participate with the Hollywood crowd: Locals Package: 10 in-person tickets that allow Utahns to select their shows beginning January 6, 2024. They will also have access to premiere and award-winner screenings. Price: $650 (regular price: $850) Salt Lake City Pass: Unlimited screenings in Salt Lake City during the entire Festival! Priority access at all Salt Lake City Theaters and access to short films and episodic programs. $550 Salt Lake City Youth Pass: Unlimited screenings in Salt Lake City during the entire Festival, priority access at all Salt Lake City theaters and access to short films and episodic programs. Specially priced for attendees aged 18–25. $225 Be aware, these offers go on sale Oct. 18 and end when they’re sold out! Tickets | 2024 Sundance Film Festival |
Who’s Coming to the Sundance Film Festival 2023
The Sundance Film Festival 2023, in its heyday, was the place to see and be seen. Even Vinny from Entourage brought his gang to “little Hollywood” to connect with producers, managers, writers and other filmmakers during the celebration of independent filmmaking in Park City, Utah. The opening weekend of the 10-day event was a constant rager in the early 2000s; with gifting lounges, filmmaker brunches, red carpets, and film school mingles filling up venues on both sides of Main Street; of course there was the random movie screening thrown in for good measure. Even before Covid, city officials eager to curb the chaos within city limits created curfews, rental restrictions, federal laws prevented VIPs from taking expensive swag without declaring it on their taxes and Sundance organizers squashed outside “sponsors” from piggybacking on their turf. Anyone remember all of the fringe “dances”? Lapdance, Xdance, Tromadance, NoDance, Slumdance, and the sole survivor- Slamdance?
Then, the Covid pandemic did its thing and wiped out all standards in its wake. The Fest went virtual, sponsors dropped out, Park City in January went ghost town and celebs found different ways to attract attention.
This year, however, the in-person Sundance experience is back, the town is primed and onlookers wonder what this iteration will bring. Press releases are touting a list of attendees that include:
Anne Hathaway, Cynthia Erivo, Penelope Cruz, Emilia Clarke, Jason Momoa, Stephen Dorff, Daisy Ridley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jonathan Majors, Jeremy Allen White, Dakota Johnson, Sarah Snook, Gael Garcia Bernal, Alexander Skarsgård, Teyana Taylor, Ben Platt, Jennifer Connolly, Eve Hewson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Phoebe Dynevor, Randall Park, Nicholas Braun, David Jonsson, Stephen Dorff, Jason Genao, Bella Thorne, Karrueche Tran, Michael J. Fox, Tracy Pollan Fox, Ryan Coogler, Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth Banks, Thembi Banks, Amandla Stenberg Marlee Matlin, Adam Lambert, Mike O’Hearn, Will Ferrell, Moby, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Radha Mitchell. Actors, directors, writers who have movies screening at Sundance and still others will come just to play in the snow and tease paparazzi.
Other Sundance Film Festival 2023 Shenanigans
Beyond a spot for actors to strut, Park City provides the ideal location for big brands to establish cozy havens where they can cater to VIPs with hot beverages and snacks, while getting their name networked. In the past, we’ve seen Lyft, Grey Goose, Google, Sony, ICM, IMDB, Fuji, Stella Artois, L’Oreal, Acura, Canada Goose, MoviePass, DirecTV, Southwest Airlines. Some of the spaces these brands establish welcome the general public. Others require a name on a list. These are what are known so far.
Shabbat Lounge
Address provided upon RSVP, daily from Jan. 20-22
The Shabbat Lounge returns to Sundance with a program of events that include Friday night Shabbat dinner, a Friday night Oneg Soirée, Saturday L’Chaim Cholent Chill, Saturday night Havdalah concert and a Sunday Jewish filmmakers and friends brunch. (RSVP required: shabbatlounge.org.)
Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment’s Indie Director’s and Creator’s Spotlight
The Cabin, 427 Main St., Friday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
The invite-only event is a day-to-night activation that celebrates diversity in filmmaking with a program that features conversations, networking, performances and entertainment. Confirmed panelists and performers include Ericka Nicole Malone, Tabitha Brown, Matty Rich, Craig Ross Jr., Wendy Raquel Robinson, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Sha’leah Nikole, Alfred Jackson, Keith Robinson, Angie Stone and more. The scene will feature light bites, warm beverages, cocktails, mocktails, gifting and sounds by DJ Q-Nice. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., the venue will transform into a “neo-soul lounge” with live performances by Robinson, Nikole, Jackson and Stone.
Sommsation Lounge
408 Main St., daily Jan. 20-22
During the fest’s first weekend, Sommsation will offer a limited number of curated sommelier-led wine tasting experiences for wine lovers and Sundance attendees to book from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and can be booked via Concierge@Sommsation.com. In addition to the tastings, Sommsation will host private industry events, movie premieres, junkets and panels at the Sommsation Lounge and will be sponsoring several events throughout the fest.
Audiences Want Climate Stories
The Box at The Ray, 1768 Park Ave., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join the Redford Center for an interactive session that features filmmakers and industry experts discussing the role indie film plays in the climate movement. Speakers include Megha Agrawal Sood (Doc Society), Jeff Orlowski-Yang (Exposure Labs), Tracy Rector (Nia Tero), Anna Jane Joyner (Good Energy), Jill Tidman (Redford Center), and 2023 Sundance Film Festival featured filmmakers Matthieu Rytz (Deep Rising) and Sophie Barthes (The Pod Generation).
Creators Lounge by Stanley …PUBLIC WELCOME
The Cabin, 427 Main St., daily Jan. 20-22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
A free activation mounted by the makers of the vacuum-insulated, stylish food/drinkware products to celebrate Sundance with fun activities and beverages in iconic Stanley drinkware. Programming will include a latte art class, build your own hot cocoa bar, aura readings, musical performances (by The National Parks, Bri Ray, DJ Joune, Drew Holcomb and others), poetry readings (in partnership with SLAM) and more.
White Claw Shore Club
608 Main St. in Park City, Jan. 19-22 (Jan. 19: 1-10 p.m.; Jan. 20-22: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.)
The exclusive hard seltzer of Sundance Film Festival 2023, the first White Claw Shore Club be bringing all the Apres Ski vibes to life in a premium lounge experience complete with live performances from emerging musicians, including Abraham Alexander, and immersive works from local artists. White Claw will also debut a new 30-second ad, directed by Laura M. Gonçalves, that will run in between every five films premiering at the fest. Attendees can visit a customizable beanie station, enter exclusive giveaways, or “grab a White Claw and chill.” The White Claw Shore Club will be open to registered attendees; festgoers can access the QR code invite on mini branded snowboards that will be located in several areas throughout Sundance. Must be 21+. More details here.
Access to this venue is by invitation only.
Acura Festival Village & Acura Energy Stage and Energy Lab PUBLIC WELCOME
Acura Festival Village is 480 Swede Alley, ; Acura Energy Lab is 364 Main St., daily programming, Jan. 20-23, 12p-6p. 21+
Fest sponsor Acura will have its largest presence ever as the official vehicle and presenting sponsor of the fest for the 13th consecutive year. New for 2023: Acura has expanded to include two venues supporting the indie creative community with a fleet of Acura MDX and MDX Type S performance SUVs (official vehicle of Sundance) traversing the streets of Park City, Utah, and Acura’s full lineup of performance vehicles on display. The Energy Lab will feature an energized experience with a photo booth and an interactive art installation, complimentary coffee bar, live DJ, phone charging stations. Energy Stage will also feature performances, parties, interactive experiences and interviews with talent.
Canada Goose Basecamp, 558 MAIN ST. , Jan. 20-29, 12-6p PUBLIC WELCOME
Canada Goose invites you to escape from the cold at Basecamp. Explore their retail pop-up, try on iconic styles, learn about their history with the film industry; from behind the lens to special on-camera moments, and why they’re a film set staple. Each day, fans can expect new and innovative programming, special events, and surprise guest appearances. Beverages & coffees served from 12-6 p.m. January 20-23 and 12-4 p.m. January 24-29
The Audible Listening Lodge, 675 MAIN ST, Jan. 19 – 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. PUBLIC WELCOME
There’s more to imagine at the Audible Listening Lodge! Enjoy beautiful views of Park City and let your imagination run wild listening to the curated catalog of premium content. Sit back and relax—everyone’s welcome to join in on the fun.
Chase Sapphire on Main
573 Main St., Jan. 20-24, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
The lounge will play host to premiere parties, LA Times co-presented panel discussions and a special Chase Sound Check with Anderson .Paak at TAO Park City. Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cardmembers can also stop by daily for complimentary refreshments, live music and activations including an aura reader, customizable travel accessories, a live watercolor artist and more.
Chef Melissa King Menu Takeover, Chase Sapphire on Main, 573 Main St., 1-3 p.m.
Melissa King will present two items, mushroom congee with sous vide quail egg in the morning, five spice pork belly bao in the afternoon. Cardmembers will have the opportunity to meet her; hear more about her inspiration behind the dishes; and receive recipe cards for each item.
Macro Lodge, 201 HEBER AVENUE, Jan. 20-22: 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Monday, January 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
The 6th Annual MACRO Lodge at the Sundance Film Festival offers talent, filmmakers, and changemakers a place to connect and convene at the Festival for a mix of conversation, community, and culture, to elevating the voices and stories of Black people and people of color.
Access to this venue is by invitation only.
Sundance ASCAP Music Café
The Park, 950 Iron Horse Drive, 2-5 p.m.
Paring down to just one day this Fest, the Sundance ASCAP Music Café will host an afternoon of exclusive acoustic sets from songwriters plus an insightful conversation between the composer and filmmaker of a Sundance title, courtesy of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
SCREEN TIME CONVERSATIONS
2:20 PM: ROGER SUEN (composer) + JUSTIN CHON (director) discuss JAMOJAYA
2:50 PM: NAINITA DESAI (composer) + LAURA McGANN (director) discuss THE DEEPEST BREATH
PERFORMANCES
3:15 PM: AMIGO THE DEVIL
3:50 PM: SHA’LEAH NIKOLE
4:30 PM: SLAM POETS ft. SAUL WILLIAMS, MOMOLU S K STEWART + JOSÉ SOTO (celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-Winning film SLAM)
Sunrise House
Riverhorse on Main, 540 Main St., daily from Jan. 20-22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Daniel Dae Kim’s 3AD teams with Gold House and the Asian American Foundation (TAAF) to mount the Sunrise House, the official pan-AAPI house of the Sundance Film Festival. The Sunrise Collective will feature interactive daytime programming and host two dinner and celebration events. More here.
Indigenous House
Star Bar, 227 Main St., Jan. 21-22, daily programming
IllumiNative, the Native woman-led social justice organization, launches the Indigenous House at this year’s fest. The space will serve as a gathering spot for storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and fresh perspectives, and a space to recognize and celebrate Native creatives, artists and industry leaders who are advancing Native representation and inclusivity in TV and film. Programming will feature events, dinners, panels, integrated in music, fashion and food to immerse attendees in Native culture and celebrate its impact on society and pop culture. Sponsors include Open Society Foundations, the Pechanga Band of Indians, Pop Culture Collaborative, Decolonizing Wealth Project, The Christensen Fund, Culture Change Fund, MacArthur Foundation and Nielsen.
ECOLUXE Park City ABC4TV Media Lounge
255 Main St., 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Veteran producer Debbie Durkin, a 30-year Sundance vet, returns to produce a 15th annual ECOLUXE Media Lounge in partnership with ABC4TV. Positioned on a purposeful, sustainable platform of wellness, Durkin launches HYDRO Infused Sodas and Brava Home’s newest Smart Oven. Brava Chef Travis and Amanda Gyuran of Elevated Eats will fuel guests with curated and performance-based foods, Amare Global’s The Mental Wellness Company’s GBX pep beverages hydrate, The Vitamin Bar IV Park City nurses energize with B12 shots, IV Therapy and oxygen machines, and exhausted stars have the option of picking up trips to Dominican Republic’s Casa de Campo Resort & Villas for post-fest recovery. Streetwear brand Voice of the Vanishing Earth will be featured, a company that donates 51 percent of profits to protect animal species. Luxury wellness company Hemped Park City will introduce Bees Knees products. Chickadee Gear premieres children’s snowsuits, and more surprises to come.
Sundance Film Festival Opening Weekend Art Lounge….PUBLIC WELCOME
Kimball Art Center’s Art Lounge, 1251 Kearns Blvd., Jan. 20-22, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Kimball Art Center hosts attendees in their quest for culture at this space located between the Eccles Theatre, fest headquarters, Holiday Village and The Ray. The current exhibition features Between Life and Land: Material, part of a three-part exhibition series focused on telling stories of artist’s relationship with the lens. It includes three films by Robert Smithson and Nancy Holt.