New festival director shares early insights into 40th annual Sundance Film Festival

The 2024 Sundance Film Festival is set to take place January 18-28, 2024. Photo: Sundance Institute.

PARK CITY, Utah — The 40th annual Sundance Film Festival is scheduled to take place January 18-28, 2024, and under the guidance of first-time festival director Eugene Hernandez, Festival organizers have been working behind the scenes to prepare for another exciting year of extraordinary films, talented filmmakers and enthusiastic audiences.

With over 90 feature films and 60 shorts on offer, attendees can expect a diverse and captivating program.

“The 2024 Sundance Film Festival will kick off with premiere screenings of each film through Tuesday the 23rd, with multiple screenings of each film in Park City and Salt Lake City,” Hernandez said in a press release. “This year, we’re getting started a little earlier; screenings will begin around noon on January 18. So if you’re coming from out of state, consider traveling on Wednesday so you don’t miss any of our opening day.”

Festival organizers are prioritizing an immersive in-person Festival experience in Park City and Salt Lake City, extending through the closing weekend.

Special programming has been added to enhance the Festival experience, offering more opportunities to enjoy all the films in both cities during the second half of the Festival. There will be plenty to enjoy if attendees can join for the entire duration or have limited availability. Those with limited time and resources can plan to immerse themselves in the festivities starting at the midpoint, where they can get a taste of everything the Festival has to offer.

The midpoint is a great time for new artists to join and a special occasion where Festival alumni from across the four decades, along with the next generation of artists, come together on the Mountain. Attendees can look forward to engaging with special events, watching this year’s films, and reconnecting with one another.

Starting on Thursday, January 25, there will be at-home screenings of films in the five Competition sections, including NEXT. Additionally, films from other sections may also choose to participate in online screenings during this limited sneak preview window.

The in-person premieres of our festival will take place at several iconic venues in Park City, including the Eccles Theater, Egyptian Theatre, Holiday Village Cinemas, Library Center Theatre, The Ray Theatre, Redstone Cinemas, and Prospector Square Theatre.

Private events will be held at The Park, while conversations and gatherings will be hosted in our Filmmaker Lodge on Main Street until the final Friday. In Salt Lake City, films will be screened downtown at the Megaplex Theatres at The Gateway, the Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas, and the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.

Festival Awards will be presented during the day on Friday, January 26, at The Ray Theatre.

“This new role is a true honor and full circle moment for me, having attended the Sundance Film Festival for the first time back in 1993. There I met lifelong friends and colleagues, and even launched Indiewire with the Institute’s crucial support,” Hernandez said.  “So much has changed in our field since then. In the midst of yet another moment of evolution, we believe deeply in the vital impact of independent filmmaking, discovery, and the enduring power of festivals as a bridge between audiences and artists.”

Filmmakers still have time to submit their works as the deadlines are in September.