Dear Sundance Film Festival,
I have attended the SFF since 1986 and know that my life has been enhanced by the opportunities to share in the many movies and projects that the SFF has spotlighted. However, with the increasing prices and the very limited venues that will be available to Salt Lake City patrons this year, I have to question Sundance’s self-stated values of “inclusion, racial equity, accessibility and belonging at every level for artists, audiences, staff and volunteers.”
It is far from the expensive Park City room rates that “keep all but the most wealthy from attending.” When a single film ticket is $35 (5 hours minimum wage) and the Local’s Ticket Package with 10 tickets included is $675 (93 hours minimum wage), I have to question what clientele the Sundance Institute thinks they attract. I am aware that there are outreach programs and reduced-price passes for students, schools, etc. But these are minimal to the overall ticket and package sales.
This year, Sundance Institute greatly reduced the venues that will be available for Salt Lake City only passholders. The Grand, the Gateway Theaters, the Tower and the screening room at the Salt Lake City downtown library are not being used, as they have been in past years. Only the Broadway and Rose Wagner venues will be in operation. However, despite the loss of venues, the SLC pass increased to $600 (82 hours minimum wage). The response to my emails to Sundance Institute questioning these changes was that my “feedback has been relayed to the appropriate groups.”
As Sundance Institute is looking at moving to another host city in 2027, I would like to remind them of the many years of support they have received in Utah.
Park City has worked to have additional screening venues and free transportation for Sundance patrons. Hundreds (thousands?) of devoted volunteers have been the backbone of Sundance’s success.
Maybe it’s time for Sundance to reflect on their self-stated mission statement and ask themselves: What do real inclusion and appreciation look like?
Alicia Scotter, Salt Lake City
