Film

During the pandemic, the country lost thousands of movie screens. Utah has seen theater closures over the past few years in towns like Park City, Sandy, American Fork, and West Valley City.

Colorado, like Outdoor Retailer before, has lured away another Utah institution. The film festival has called Utah home since 1978.

Film wasn’t the only thing on people’s minds at Sundance this year. The effects of the wildfires in Southern California loomed large, as did the bittersweet knowledge that this year will be the second to last Sundance based in Park City.

The war satire “Atropia” about actors in a military role-playing facility won the grand jury prize in the Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. dramatic competition, while the Dylan O’Brien movie “Twinless” got the coveted audience award.

The festival could remain in Park City and nearby Salt Lake City or move to other top contenders, Cincinnati, Ohio, or Boulder, Colorado, after next year's festival.

Over half of the films that premiered this past week will be available to stream on the festival’s online platform starting Jan. 30. What started as a COVID-era necessity has become one of the Festival’s most beloved components, even for those who do brave the cold and the lines to see films in person.

Sundance has been a Utah staple for decades. It’s an open question for local filmmakers whether or not they’ll feel the impact if the festival decides to leave Park City.

Many in the movie business continue to deal with the devastating fallout from the Los Angeles-area wildfires, but some are decamping to Park City for fresh air, new films and community.

While Cox says the state will do “everything we possibly can” to keep the Sundance Film Festival local, he isn’t open to offering the festival the pots of money Cincinnati and Colorado are.

The festival kicks off on Jan. 23 in Park City, just days after the presidential inauguration. Starting Jan. 30 over 60% of the program will also be available for ticket buyers to stream online.

Writer and director Sydney Freeland hopes Native audiences see themselves in her basketball tale of tragedy and triumph.

One option remains a combination of Salt Lake City and Park City, Sundance's base for over 40 years. The other two, Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati would find the country’s foremost showcase for independent film putting new roots down.