For editorial coverage of Sundance Institute programs. Sundance Institute via AP. 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.
Some films offered an escape from reality; others were a pointed reminder of the domestic and international political landscape, from transgender rights to the war in Ukraine. Here are some of the key takeaways from the 41st edition of the festival. The effects of the Southern California fires were deeply felt.
The wildfires were still burning in parts of Los Angeles when Sundance began last week and reminders of its devastation were everywhere, even on screen. Satter had an audience of Sundance Institute donors in tears early in the festival while accepting an honor at a fundraising gala.
We lost our village, but at the end of the day we are the village. How do you feel about it leaving Park City? What would Sundance in Ohio even look like? Sundance Institute leadership has narrowed the finalist cities to Salt Lake City, Utah, Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio, and is expected to announce the winner before spring. Politics were also top of mind, but less public. In the early days of U. A muted market? Deals aren't the full story.
Most deals happen after the festival ends, but there have been private grumblings that the market this year was weaker than usual, and the films were not commercial enough.
