Sundance Film Festival

History: The first Sundance Film Festival took place in 1978 in Salt Lake City. Robert 2008 Sundance Film Festival Redford was the Chairperson, with co-founders, Sterling Van Wagenen and John Earle. It actually wasn't named the Sundance Film Festival back then, but rather the Utah-Us Film Festival.

2009 Sundance Film Festival - Specific information about registration and purchase information, including all dates and how to buy tickets in advance, day of or via waitlist.

Sundance Festival Tips - How to Festival tips including info about lodging, restaurants, parties, parking, car rental (NO!) and more.

The Festival Moved to Park City
In 1981 the festival was moved to Park City from Salt Lake and in 1991 it was officially named the Sundance Film Festival. The festival used to take place in September but was moved to Janauary since it made better marketing sense to have it take place in a ski town when you could actually ski.

When Does Sundance Take Place?

The event is held annually every January, around the 3rd week, for 10 days. Events take place primarily in Park City Utah, but other events are scheduled in Salt Lake City, Ogden and at the Sundance Resort which is about a 45 minute drive from Park City.

The festival is widely recognized as the premier showcase for American and international independent film. More than 50,000 people from around the world attend the festival each year. Two hundred films are selected each year from over 8,000 submissions.

Film Categories
Categories for film include documentary, dramatic, shorts, and animation as well as other special screenings such as world premieres from established directors, New Frontier and Spectrum programs. New Frontier showcases innovation in filmmaking and the Spectrum program presents out-of-competition dramatic and documentary films from an array of world-wide filmmakers.

Other Events and Activities
Not only will films be but there are panel events, discussions at Filmmaker Lodge, workshops at the New Frontier, Music Cafe, sponsor venues, evening parties and receptions.

Why Go?
It's a great festival and a great time to visit Park City. You can ski the powder in the morning, catch some great films in the afternoon, and rub shoulders with celebrities at parties in the evening. Just remember to book your lodging early - rooms go fast for these popular 10 days. Don't get a rental car if you plan on just staying in Park City. Take the free bus instead. Have fun and don't get too caught up in all the hollywoodness part of it - Redford don't like it so much. Focus on Film. Ignore the paparazzi and stars. Focus on Film. Or enjoy a healthy mix of the two.

Here's a short video showcasing last year's festival:
(note: it takes a second to start after you click the start button)

Getting Sundance Film Festival Tickets

I have been to 2 festivals so far and enjoyed it very much. I have only purchased local tickets in advance and seen a few films, but have enjoyed some of the other free events and open-to-public-without-credentials venues as well. So if you weren't able to or can't afford packages and passes, there's still lots of things to do and enjoy.

If you want to purchase ticket packages, passes or individual tickets in advance, make sure you register in September for a time slot. No guarantees, but you'll be ahead of everyone else who doesn't register. Go to the 2009 Sundance Film Festival for important dates and other tips for this upcoming festival.

Sundance Resort

Sundance Utah Vacation Rentals

Sundance Catalog

Sundance Film Festival Website

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