Sundance Film Festival to proceed despite LA wildfires
What's the story
The Sundance Film Festival, which is set to start in less than two weeks, has confirmed that it will go ahead despite the raging wildfires in Los Angeles. The festival's organizers admitted that the event may not be the same as in previous years. "Over the past few days, we've had many conversations with artists, volunteers, industry/press... The losses we're witnessing and so many are experiencing are hard to fathom," acting CEO Amanda Kelso and festival director Eugene Hernandez said.
Mixed responses
Industry reactions to Sundance's decision amid crisis
The decision to go ahead with the festival has drawn mixed reactions from industry professionals. While some were hopeful that business would continue as usual at Sundance, stressing the need for job creation in the film industry amid these tough times, others anticipated a negative impact on the festival due to the wildfires, pointing to a halt in financing and the possible absence of those directly affected by the fires.
Festival resilience
Sundance's history of adaptability and potential relocation
Notably, the Sundance Film Festival has been known to adapt, having gone virtual in 2021 and 2022 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's festival will take place from January 23-February 2. Meanwhile, there are also talks of moving the festival from Park City, where it is currently held, with Cincinnati, Boulder, and Salt Lake City being considered as options.
Industry disruption
Impact of wildfires on Hollywood events and premieres
The wildfires have already caused the postponement/cancellation of several Hollywood events in Los Angeles; now the Oscar nominations will be announced on January 23. However, Grammy Awards will proceed on its scheduled date of February 2. Several films are slated to benefit from their Sundance premieres. These include Bill Condon's Kiss of the Spider Woman starring Diego Luna and Jennifer Lopez; Alison Brie-Dave Franco's Together; Train Dreams starring Joel Edgerton-Felicity Jones; Andrew Ahn's The Wedding Banquet starring Bowen Yang-Lily Gladstone.