2022 is already starting to feel like 2021, which felt a lot like 2020. As if we’re stuck in a neverending loop of awful, it appears the COVID pandemic is already making film festivals scramble thanks to the Omicron variant that is spreading like wildfire around the world. The problem is such a big issue that this year’s Sundance Film Festival is having to pivot at the last minute and go virtual.
According to the Sundance Film Festival announcement, the original plans to have an in-person event have changed since the spread of Omicron around the US. Now, due to the pandemic, the folks at Sundance have decided to make this year’s event fully virtual. Here’s the press release statement from Sundance.
“Today we’re announcing: the Festival’s in-person Utah elements will be moving online this year. While we’re disappointed to not provide the full hybrid experience and gather in-person as intended, audiences this year will still experience the magic and energy of our Festival with bold new films and XR work, the discovery of new storytellers, direct encounters with artists, and an innovative globally accessible social platform and gallery space. Our partner community will also be adding a vibrant dimension to the festival with a rich mix of conversation, talent talks and events.
While it is a deep loss to not have the in-person experience in Utah, we do not believe it is safe nor feasible to gather thousands of artists, audiences, employees, volunteers, and partners from around the world, for an eleven-day festival while overwhelmed communities are already struggling to provide essential services.
This was a difficult decision to make. As a nonprofit, our Sundance spirit is in making something work against the odds. But with case numbers forecasted to peak in our host community the week of the festival we cannot knowingly put our staff and community at risk. The undue stress to Summit County’s health services and our more than 1,500 staff and volunteers would be irresponsible in this climate. It has become increasingly clear over the last few days that this is the right decision to make for the care and well-being of all of our community.”
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This might not be a huge shock for people who have followed the festival announcements and rumors over the past several weeks. While we didn’t know for sure Sundance would go virtual before today, there has been rampant speculation that festivals in the early part of this year, including the upcoming Berlin Film Festival, would have to figure out some sort of contingency if COVID spread doesn’t slow down. And clearly, it’s not.
Hopefully, going virtual, which Sundance is already familiar with thanks to 2021’s event, won’t derail what was poised to be one of the more interesting iterations of the event in recent years. The already-announced list of films features a ton of talented filmmakers and many new voices who were sure to surprise audiences later this month. Sadly, we can’t help but imagine at least some of the excitement will be muted given the pivot to a digital event.
The 2022 Sundance Film Festival is expected to start on January 20.