Sundance Says The Show Goes On “Amidst The Devastating Loss” From L.A. Wildfires – Deadline
By Anthony D’Alessandro, Dominic Patten
With less than two weeks to go before the Sundance Film Festival, organizers Monday let the industry know they know it may be much different than anticipated.
As Los Angeles continues to battle numerous wildfires, increased winds are expected to hit the region again over the next few days, further crippling the industry and the potential gathering in Park City.
“Over the past few days, we’ve had many conversations with artists, volunteers, industry/press, trustees, donors, partners, and staff. The losses we’re witnessing and so many are experiencing are hard to fathom and deeply emotional. Yet, as we continue planning for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival — just 10 days away — we’re moved by the resilience amidst the devastating loss,” said Amanda Kelso, Acting Sundance CEO, and Eugene Hernandez, Director, Sundance Film Festival & Public Programming, in a note to the industry.
Today’s missive from the Robert Redford-founded festival echoes what a number of filmmakers, agents and executives have been saying over the past few days after they deal with the loss of lives, homes and projects.
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There is hope among leading international sales executives that business will continue as usual at Sundance. Livelihoods could depend on it more than ever. One veteran international seller told Deadline: “It’s devastating seeing so many people — including friends — impacted like this. Sundance is rolling towards us and so far our packaging has been unaffected. It feels more important than ever to get jobs into the film business.”
However, one independent sales exec and Sundance regular told us: “The mood is very bad. L.A. is like a ghost town. There is sure to be a knock on impact on Sundance. Those whose houses were in the line of the fires aren’t going to Park City, I’m sure. Everything is on hold in terms of financing. There is paralysis.”
The Sundance Film Festival went virtual in 2021 and 2022 due to the threat of the Covid pandemic. This year’s event runs January 23-February 2.
This spring we’ll learn where the Sundance Film Festival relocates as Cincinnati, Boulder and Salt Lake City are vying to shift the event from its Park City location.
Here’s the full statement from Sundance organizers today:Dear Sundance Community,We’re reaching out today about the ongoing, devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. First and foremost, our hearts are with everyone in our Sundance Institute community and with all affected by the unfolding tragedy. Please know that you are not alone right now; our thoughts are with you in Southern California and beyond.Over the past few days, we’ve had many conversations with artists, volunteers, industry/press, trustees, donors, partners, and staff. The losses we’re witnessing and so many are experiencing are hard to fathom and deeply emotional. Yet, as we continue planning for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival—just 10 days away—we’re moved by the resilience amidst the devastating loss.You are vital, vibrant members of our Sundance community, and we know that many of you have been and are being impacted by the ongoing tragic fires. Our community has a history of coming together when passion and perseverance are needed most, drawing strength from the deep bonds that make us so resilient.Right now, we may mourn, but we also know it is important to carry on. Soon, we’ll gather for Sundance’s 41st Festival to discover a new year of films and filmmakers. Despite the challenges so many are confronting, we’re making our final preparations for this year’s Festival, as in times like these, our mission to support artists, uplift their work, and connect to communities is paramount. While it may challenge us in many ways, coming together will also empower and inspire us as we look to our future. With that in mind, we invite you to connect with us in the days leading up to the Festival. If you have been affected by the fires, and feel able or are in a space where you can, please share your situation in this form so we can understand how our community has been impacted.Sundance exists to discover artists, celebrate their work, and support storytelling that connects people through the power of film and we know that coming together as a community can be both healing and catalytic.Please stay safe as you care for yourselves and each other.Thinking of you,Amanda Kelso, Acting CEOEugene Hernandez, Director, Sundance Film Festival & Public Programming
Andreas Wiseman contributed to this report.
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Source: http://deadline.com/2025/01/sundance-film-festival-la-wildfires-1236255275/
