The 2025 Sundance Film Festival begins this weekend and runs through Feb. 2nd. For locals, these two weeks are marked by a flurry of film buffs inundating our street with their expensive winter ware and industry speak. We overhear our fair share of “Wow this little ski town is so cute!” and “What do you mean I need my ID?” It’s like Salt Lake and Park City are discovered all over again. For most locals, the ones who’d rather our rad state stay a secret, Sundance is blacked out as a time to avoid the riff-raff of Main Street and instead explore the festival offerings in a more remote way.
To accommodate our wish, Sundance is once again offering free Local Lens screenings. This year’s lineup includes four in-person screenings and one online screening—all free and available to Utah residents. To register, purchase a single film ticket through the Sundance Film Festival website and check out as normal.
Four In-Person Films Free to Locals
What: Omaha with a special screening of the short film The Long Valley
When: Wednesday, 01/29 at 6:15 p.m.
Where: The Ray Theater, Park City
Synopsis: After a family tragedy, siblings Ella and Charlie are unexpectedly woken up by their dad and taken on a journey across the country, experiencing a world they’ve never seen before. As their adventure unfolds, Ella begins to understand that things might not be what they seem.
What: Deaf President Now!
When: Thursday, 01/30 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Rose Wagner Theater, Salt Lake City
Synopsis: During eight tumultuous days in 1988 at the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history.
What: Best of Fest
When: Sunday, 02/02 at 3 p.m.
Where: The Ray Theater, Park City
About: Sundance Institute’s Utah Community Program presents complimentary screenings of this year’s Festival favorites to Locals in Salt Lake and Summit Counties. In addition to serving as a thank you to our local community for hosting the Festival, these screenings allow many in the community to participate in our programming who may otherwise not have an opportunity.
What: Best of Fest
When: Sunday, 02/02 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Rose Wagner Theater, Salt Lake City
About: Sundance Institute’s Utah Community Program presents complimentary screenings of this year’s Festival favorites to Locals in Salt Lake and Summit Counties. In addition to serving as a thank you to our local community for hosting the Festival, these screenings allow many in the community to participate in our programming who may otherwise not have an opportunity.
Online Sundance Film Screening Access
If an at-home screening is more your style, Sundance is offering locals the choice of four films to screen at home: Sally, Speak, East of Wall, and Where the Wind Comes From. Sign up here to receive your promo code which can be used at checkout.
Need help navigating this year’s festival? Check out our top tips here!
