The Sundance Film Festival, long rooted in Park City, has been a significant event for Utah’s filmmaking community. With the possibility of the festival relocating, students and alumni from Utah Tech University’s film program are contemplating the potential impact on their careers.
Robert Redford played a key role in moving the Sundance Film Festival from Salt Lake City to Park City in 1981. After getting involved with the festival, he wanted to create a space where independent filmmakers could thrive away from the influence of Hollywood. By relocating it near his Sundance Mountain Resort, Redford fostered an environment that emphasized creative freedom, helping the festival grow into a premier event for independent cinema worldwide.
For many filmmakers in Utah, Sundance provides visibility and a platform to showcase their work. Local filmmakers, especially those just starting, have relied on the festival’s proximity to network with industry professionals. Some worry that if Sundance moves, this exposure may be lost.
Jeff Jarvis, dean of the College of the Arts, said: “The biggest challenge might be visibility. Sundance is a big player in the industry. Perhaps, if Sundance moves away, film will be less important, which would be challenging for our students.”
Some believe Sundance plays a key role in Utah’s film culture. Filmmakers express concern that if Sundance were to leave Park City, it could reduce opportunities for local talent.
Loren Zoltan, a sophomore digital film major from St. George, said: “Sundance makes Utah film culture feel alive. Besides New York or LA, Utah is slowly becoming another beacon state for the film industry. Submitting and being featured in Sundance is a common dream for filmmakers and inspires many. Sundance in Utah is important to fledgling filmmakers.”
The film program has established strong industry connections outside Sundance, including partnerships with productions like Kevin Costner’s “Horizon” series, which premiered at Cannes and Venice. Utah Tech is expanding its local industry ties with the upcoming film studio, Territory Studios, near the St. George Regional Airport, further reducing its reliance on Sundance.
For Utah Tech alumni involved with Sundance, the move might pose some logistical challenges, especially if they relied on the festival for networking and showcasing their work.
Zoltan said, “I think Sundance is a more known and professional festival, so I do think the removal of Sundance would take away a lot of opportunities from Utah filmmakers.”
The potential relocation of Sundance may be more symbolic than practical. While it could make it harder for local filmmakers to attend the festival in person, the submission process will remain largely digital.
Karman Wilson, assistant dean of professional arts, said: “Films are made, produced and edited literally everywhere. The Sundance Film Festival, like any other film festival, does most of its business digitally. Filmmakers will still make films and submit them regardless of its location.”
Wilson said the digital age has made filmmaking a global endeavor, reducing the importance of physical location for festivals like Sundance. With most submissions and business done online, filmmakers can still gain recognition regardless of where the festival is held. This shift in accessibility ensures that Utah Tech’s film program can focus on fostering industry connections beyond local events.
Sundance’s potential move raises concerns but may not significantly impact Utah Tech students or alumni. The film program continues to build connections, and Utah’s filmmakers are already part of a global network. As the industry evolves, they are well-positioned to succeed, whether Sundance remains local or moves elsewhere.
