Sometimes, being just close enough to something is better than being right in the middle of it. We’d argue this is the case with Summit Creek and its proximity to the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival.
Sundance is held in multiple locations, including Sundance Mountain Resort, just 35 miles from Summit Creek. This resort is one of Utah’s finest, offering exciting year-round experiences like the Sundance Film Festival. In addition to Sundance Mountain Resort, the festival will also host screenings in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 24 through February 3, 2019.
We love the opportunity to get a first look at some of the year’s most fascinating films from around the world. But we also love being able to retreat from the chaos back to our cozy mountain homes in the Wasatch—a smattering of star sighting on the red carpet followed by a sky carpeted with stars at home.
In preparation for this year’s Sundance Film Festival, here are six reasons why 2019 is the year to watch.
1. There were a record-breaking number of submissions this year.
The nonprofit Sundance Institute, which organizes the annual festival, received a record-breaking 14,259 submissions from 152 countries.
2. The festival will introduce many new and diverse voices.
Of the thousands of submissions, 112 feature-length films were selected—representing 33 countries and 45 first-time filmmakers. More than half (53%) of the film’s directors in the U.S. Dramatic Competition are women, and 41% are people of color.
3. Sundance will host the world premieres of more than 100 feature films.
91 percent of the lineup (102 feature films) will be screened for the first time at Sundance. Imagine being able to say you saw it first when a movie starts earning buzz. And earning buzz, they will. Since the first Sundance Film Festival in 1985, hundreds of screened films have gone on to gain critical recognition and acclaim.
4. It’s not just for feature films.
While the feature films are a big draw, they’re only one part of the festival’s agenda. Emerging artists and creators showcase multimedia installations, performances, and short films as well. You’ll also get access to filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, and live music events.
5. There’s a competition element to the festival.
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Open to filmmakers in the U.S. and worldwide, various competitions will take place throughout the course of the festival. These include U.S. Dramatic Competition, U.S. Documentary Competition, and Worldwide Cinema Dramatic Competition.
6. The lineup this year looks too good to miss.
We’d be remiss not to point out some of the world premieres to be shown in 2019:
Relive
2018 | 107 min. | Drama | Blumhouse Productions |Director: Jacob Estes
A cross between a supernatural thriller and a police procedural, Relive follows Los Angeles detective Jack Radcliff as he solve an apparent murder-suicide, while attempting to change the past.
The Mustang
2018 | 96 min. | Drama | Focus Features | Director: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
The tale of a recently released convict tasked with taming a horse while coming to terms with his own buried emotions.
Halston
2018 | 120 min. | Documentary | Rolaball | Director: Frédéric Tcheng
Halston tells the story of renowned fashion designer Halston, who built an empire during the 1970s and ’80s—creating iconic looks for Jackie O, Liza Minnelli, and more.
