With the Sundance Film Festival less than two weeks away, organizers sent word to the industry on Monday that they could be very different from what was planned.
As Los Angeles continues to battle numerous wildfires, increased winds are expected to hit the region again over the coming days, further crippling industry and potential gathering in Park City.
“Over the past few days, we have had numerous conversations with artists, volunteers, industry/press, trustees, donors, partners and staff. The losses we are witnessing and that so many are experiencing are difficult to imagine and deeply moving. Yet as we continue to plan for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival – just 10 days away – we are moved by resilience in the face of this devastating loss,” said Amanda Kelso, interim CEO of Sundance, and Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival & Audience. Programming, in a note to industry.
Today’s missive from the Robert Redford-founded festival echoes what a number of filmmakers, agents and executives have said in recent days after dealing with the loss of lives, homes and projects .
Top international sales executives hope it will be business as usual at Sundance. Livelihoods may depend on it more than ever. One veteran international salesman told Deadline: “It’s devastating to see so many people – including friends – affected like this. Sundance is headed our way and so far our packaging has not been affected. It seems more important than ever to create jobs in the film sector.
However, one independent sales executive and Sundance regular told us, “The atmosphere is very bad. Los Angeles is like a ghost town. There will definitely be an impact on Sundance. Those whose homes were in the fire zone won’t be going to Park City, I’m sure. Everything is up in the air in terms of funding. There is paralysis.
The Sundance Film Festival has gone virtual in 2021 and 2022 due to the threat of the Covid pandemic. This year’s event runs from January 23 to February 2.
This spring, we’ll find out where the Sundance Film Festival is moving as Cincinnati, Boulder and Salt Lake City vie to move the event from its Park City location.
Here is the full statement from Sundance organizers today:
Dear Sundance Community,
We are contacting you today regarding the devastating and ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Above all, our thoughts are with everyone in the Sundance Institute community and everyone affected by the unfolding tragedy. Know that you are not alone right now; our thoughts are with you in Southern California and beyond.
Over the past few days, we have had numerous conversations with artists, volunteers, industry/press, trustees, donors, partners and staff. The losses we are witnessing and that so many are experiencing are difficult to imagine and deeply moving. Yet as we continue to plan for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, just 10 days away, we are moved by resilience in the face of this devastating loss.
You are vital and vibrant members of our Sundance community, and we know that many of you have been and continue to be affected by the tragic ongoing fires. Our community has a history of coming together when passion and perseverance are needed most, drawing strength from the deep connections that make us so resilient.
Right now we can cry, but we also know it’s important to keep going. Soon, we’ll meet again for the 41st Sundance Film Festival to experience a new year of films and filmmakers. Despite the challenges facing so many, we are making our final preparations for this year’s Festival, because in times like these, our mission to support artists, promote their work and connect to communities is paramount . While this may challenge us in many ways, coming together will also empower and inspire us as we look to our future. With this in mind, we invite you to join us in the days leading up to the Festival. If you have been affected by the fires and feel able or are in a space where you can, please share your situation in this form so we can understand how our community has been impacted.
Sundance exists to discover artists, celebrate their work and support storytelling that connects people through the power of cinema and we know that coming together as a community can be both healing and catalytic.
Please stay safe while you take care of yourself and others.
Thinking of you,
Amanda Kelso, Interim CEO
Eugene Hernandez, Director, Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming
Andreas Wiseman contributed to this report.