Utah Community Programming
Utah Community
Program
As a mission-driven nonprofit arts organization that’s rooted in Utah, the Sundance Institute hosts local events and programs year-round that aim to:
- Connect local audiences to the Sundance Film Festival
- Introduce local audiences to independent film and immersive media.
- Explore social issues and stories from around the globe.
- Unite audiences and cultures through the power of storytelling.
- Share the filmmaker’s journey with audiences and emerging filmmakers, including students.
June 18, 2026: Community Team Update
We’re thrilled to bring back Local Lens in collaboration with Utah Film Center and Park City Film. Our annual free summer screening series returns July 18-19 for 6 free screenings of favorites and award winners from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before they are released. Don’t miss these exciting two days in Utah, including an event for local artists, events, film intros and Q&As with artists in attendance, and more.
2026 Sundance Film Festival: Local Lens Program
Our annual free summer screening series returns July 18–19 for six free screenings of favorites and award winners from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before they are released. Don’t miss these exciting two days in Utah, including film intros and Q&As with artists in attendance from each film. All Local Lens screenings will be presented with open captions.
In-Person Screenings
Union County
Saturday, July 18 | 1 p.m.
Utah Film Center, Salt Lake City
Director Adam Meeks will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
Take Me Home
Saturday, July 18 | 4 p.m.
Utah Film Center, Salt Lake City
Director Liz Sargent will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
The Lake
Saturday, July 18 | 7 p.m.
Utah Film Center, Salt Lake City
Director Abby Ellis will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
All films will be presented with open caption.
The Lake
Sunday, July 19 | 1 p.m.
Park City Film, Park City
Director Abby Ellis will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
TheyDream
Sunday, July 19 | 4 p.m.
Park City Film, Park City
Director William D. Caballero will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
Union County
Sunday, July 19 | 7 p.m.
Park City Film, Park City
Director Adam Meeks will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.
Community Access to the Sundance Film Festival
Opportunities for local nonprofits and community organizations.
Festival Screenings for Students
Inspiring the Next Generation of Storytellers within grades 9–12.
Here’s what some Utah locals have to say about past events.
Sundance Events for Local Filmmakers
Sundance Events for Local Filmmakers
Filmmaking Deep Dive: Honing Your Pitch with Industry Insights
Including an interactive speed pitching session, an industry best practices, and an AMA with Festival programmers. In-person, Salt Lake City, Fri. July 28, 10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Explore Deadlines for Labs, Fellowships, Grants, Programs
Online Learning
Experiences for creators: registration and applications @ Sundance Collab
Local Happenings
Check out events led by our partners and film allies in Salt Lake and Summit County.
You can find more events at Nowplayingutah.com
Arts & Culture
Upcoming Community Events
May
Kilby Block Party, May 15-18, Salt Lake City
Muslim Heritage Festival May 17, Utah Cultural Celebration Center, West Valley
Living Traditions Festival, May 16-18, Salt Lake City
The 22nd Mulitcultural Ethnic Dance Festival, May 31, Salt Lake City
Independent Film
Davey Foundation: Grants
Park City Film Series, Park City
Park City Institute, Park City
Park City Song Summit, Park City
Salt Lake Film Society Film Screenings, Salt Lake
Spyhop Productions, Salt Lake
Utah Documentary Association: Local resources
Utah Film Center Screenings and Events, Salt Lake
Utah Film Commission: Local resources
Utah Film Festival: Film classes and other activities for local filmmakers
Highlights from our Programs
Fun times had by all!








