Slamdance Film Festival bids farewell to Park City, relocates to Los Angeles in 2025

Slamdance 2024 winners. Photo: Slamdance // Lauren Deseberg

"Our journey in the film industry began at Slamdance, and our commitment to the festival and the opportunities it offers filmmakers has remained unwavering. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of Slamdance in its new home.”

LOS ANGELES — After nearly three decades of hosting its annual celebration of independent filmmaking in Park City, Utah, the Slamdance Film Festival is set to relocate to Los Angeles starting in February 2025. This marks a significant transition for the festival, known for its dedication to emerging filmmakers and its motto, “by filmmakers, for filmmakers.”

Peter Baxter, President and Founder of Slamdance, highlighted the poignancy of the move: “Slamdance is coming to Los Angeles! Building upon our success in Utah, we will grow the festival with greater accessibility in Los Angeles and continue our work in launching new films, new careers, and new ideas in filmmaking.”

Since its inception in 1995, Slamdance has made its mark in Park City, traditionally held at venues like The Doubletree Park City – The Yarrow and in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah. These locations have been integral to the festival’s identity, providing a backdrop where filmmakers and audiences could connect intimately, away from the commercial pressures typically associated with larger film festivals.

The move to Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, will allow for the continued growth of Slamdance’s year-round mission to provide an accessible and dynamic community for truly independent, visionary filmmakers and creators. The festival will now run from February 20-26, 2025, at venues in and surrounding Hollywood, including the Landmark Theatres and the DGA Theater Complex, with more locations to be announced.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the festival’s new chapter in the city: “We are thrilled to announce that the Slamdance Film Festival is moving to Los Angeles. To know the history and landscape of independent storytelling is to know that Los Angeles has always been a home and a source of inspiration for artists as the creative capital of the world. The festival will serve as a dynamic hub for creativity, connection, and job opportunities for Angelenos.”

The festival’s decision to move is supported by industry leaders, including filmmakers and AGBO co-founders Anthony and Joe Russo, who stated, “Our journey in the film industry began at Slamdance, and our commitment to the festival and the opportunities it offers filmmakers has remained unwavering. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of Slamdance in its new home.”

While Slamdance’s relocation signifies a major change, it also reflects the festival’s ambition to evolve and adapt to the needs of independent filmmakers and their audiences. The 2025 festival will feature existing and new programs, including Polytechnic, Slamdance’s free education endeavor; ‘6ixty’, a series of one-minute short films; and the DIG (Digital, Interactive, Gaming) program.

Submissions for the Slamdance 2025 Film Festival will open on May 8, and select Slamdance features, shorts, and episodics can be viewed year-round on the Slamdance Channel.