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.

Sundance Film Festival: Local Lens

Summer screenings of past Festival favorites.

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

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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

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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

Sundance Institute’s Utah Community Programs are supported by:

Host State
Community Supporters
Principal Sponsor
Major Sponsors
Official Providers
Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre