The Sundance Film Festival’s online selections have been a massive success, frequently selling out over the past four years.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2021 Sundance Film Festival to move to a virtual setting, the festival continues to offer online screenings for a wide variety of their selections. While this may seem like just another way to watch a film, its impact remains important. By having online screenings, audiences from all around have the opportunity to envelop themselves in the passion and creativity felt in Park City, Utah. There are plenty of moviegoers who cannot afford to travel or take time off of work or school, and with this, they are now able to experience cinema like never before.
Furthermore, online screenings increase exposure for artists, allowing their films to be seen by a wider audience. In 2021, the Hollywood Reporter shared that, “[as] Sundance mostly streamed its 2021 content […] to online viewers in all 50 states and additionally in 120 countries, the festival recorded 251,331 views of feature and short films through its bespoke online platform and TV apps.” This spike in viewership helps popularize independent filmmaking by sharing meaningful stories with the world.
In addition to providing opportunities, online screenings enable virtual attendees to reduce carbon footprints and save money. To purchase tickets for online screenings, visit https://festival.sundance.org/tickets/online.