Sundance 2025: The Shift is Here

Sat Feb 01 2025
Advertisement
Sundance this year was a mixed bag. The vibe didnt quite have a huge dose of star power. People could wait hours for a mediocre sandwich. There were rumors of a move but, despite all that, one thing stood out. The audience members are just ready for Salt Lake, Boulder, or maybe even Cincinnati. In the past, saying goodbye to Park City seemed impossible. People would recall those moments of life-changing discoveries and thrilling deals. Sundance brought up a ton of films with small budgets and first-time directors. The line-up gave us films with deep thoughtsrather than flashy hits. It's tough not to feel a sense of letdown when viewing. Park City felt less like an artistic powerhouse and more like a gathering of executives determined to cut costs. Sundance prides itself on celebrating art and culture. So a move to Salt Lake could be a fresh start. However,Utah has a complicated history of free speech. After Boulder, Ohio would never be the right fit. Sundance is often seen as a signpost for the coming year. In general,Park City isn't living up to expectations. People are on edge. The movie business is still trying to recover from really rough past few years. There's been a lot of merit in unfinished film making and ahigh quality of deals. And all while Los Angeles faces a natural disaster, people go on with their lives. There are thoughts of people losing everything. While Sundance can still have exciting times, such as filming stars, the event needs to innovate to escapea general ennui. 2017 had a big march and we had a flash mob this year to honor that memory. They figured out a great way for public spectators to enjoy. Schlitz is a place that acknowledges the talent of the outdoor spaces. It helps sponsorshipandgive opportunities in the movie world. Sundance is a place where up-and-coming talent can shine. There are people who start huge careers. Remember that filmmakers aren't necessarily going to outgrow Sundance. The producers, whatever the purpose, noted that the Sundance organization helps filmmakers succeed. There are large and non-violent places that filmmakers will take. Putting So the Sundance people, they need and want a new vision and new possibilities for the changing festival.