After two years of a virtual format, the 2023 Sundance Film Festival returned to snowy Park City, Utah, as a mostly in-person experience that was augmented by digital offerings.Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
For the 39th annual festival, which ran from Jan. 19-29, proceeds from ticket sales went to the development of emerging artists through the Sundance Institute. And New York Film Festival’s Eugene Hernandez served as festival director, replacing Tabitha Jackson, who stepped down after two years.
A livestreamed conversation and Q&A—dubbed Sundance Scoop—with Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente, director of programming Kim Yutani, and senior programmer and strategic initiatives director John Nein, kicked off the fest. During the online broadcast, Vicente said that this year, organizers prioritized the in-person experience, which was augmented by digital offerings. The online program featured more than 130 films that were accessible via the festival’s digital platform.
While Vicente would not disclose whether the festival will commit to a hybrid format for future fests, he did note that the Institute is aiming to attract a younger, more diverse audience, so continuing to incorporate virtual offerings would seem like a smart strategic move.
This year, brands—including mainstays such as Acura, Adobe, and Canon as well as newcomers like Stanley and Stacy’s Pita Chips—embraced the in-person event with open arms, hosting experiential activations during the fest’s 10-day run.
Keep scrolling to see inside the parties, activations, community gatherings, and more from the 2023 Sundance Film Festival...
![After two years of a virtual format, the 2023 Sundance Film Festival returned to snowy Park City, Utah, as a mostly in-person experience that was augmented by digital offerings.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/52638023994_2f2da1f119_b.63d2dc6ba4cfb.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Vulture Spot](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/157A9964.63d2cce9a8d4a.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![SHOWTIME promoted season two of Yellowjackets with a branded hospitality station within the Vulture Spot lounge, serving breakfast, lunch, and light bites. The lounge was created to reflect the aesthetic of the show, with a rustic modern cabin design and Easter eggs from the show incorporated into the decor.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/0A3A9190.63d2cceb29882.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![La Mer hosted a branded beauty counter within the Vulture Spot to promote its Eye Concentrate, among other select products. Talent visiting the Vulture Spot were able to try out the La Mer products. And alongside the product counter, the beauty brand hosted an “Après Tea” bar with herbal, green, and black tea selections.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/0A3A9435.63d2cce633364.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The UTA House](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/230120_MM_UTA_Sundance_Brand_Leaders_Dinner_6086.63d2bebaaf38e.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The private estate was transformed into a luxury venue for seated panels, lounges, cocktail receptions, seated dinners, parties, ski experiences, and workout classes. Guests were transported to and from the private estate and Main Street in a custom fleet of Lyft wrapped shuttles. The event series was produced by Los Angeles-based experiential agency Mirrored Media.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/230120_MM_UTA_Sundance_WIF_5482.63d2beb65bb2f.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Cinema Cafe](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/52645892895_24a6cf6c74_k.63d2c5676595f.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Audible Listening Lodge](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/JP2_8963.63d2c8d2d7c69.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Audible Listening Lodge was located on Main Street and featured Park City views.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/The_Audible_Listening_Lodge_6.63d2e45e34d8a.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![As part of the Audible Listening Lodge, visitors could enjoy hot beverages, empanadas, s’mores, and more.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/JP1_1291.63d2e251a93f0.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![On-site Audible listening stations showcased a selection of stories and content across three themes: Wellbeing, Music, and Storytelling.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/JP1_1309.63d2e250d3765.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Variety Interview Studio, presented by Audible](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/JP1_1399.63d2e252c20ce.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Acura Festival Village](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/1458114325.63d2dc8ad0e18.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Acura Energy Lab](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/image010.63d2e66d2c620.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Outfest Outpost at Acura Festival Village](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/1458325696.63d2ca9128e49.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![A fleet of Acura MDX and MDX Type S performance SUVs traversed the streets of Park City, and its full lineup of performance vehicles was on display throughout the fest.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/1458300815.63d2dc6bab71d.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Stacy’s Roots to Rise Market](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/Stacy_s_Roots_to_Rise_Market__7___Panel.63d2f682c2c42.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Stacy’s Roots to Rise Market served as a hub for Sundance visitors to shop women-owned businesses and products.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/Stacy_s_Roots_to_Rise_Market__1.63d2f631a4aea.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Adobe's Events](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/IndiWire_Sundance_20230121_TJB_9668_0038_TB.63d3fb4d4b4bb.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Stanley Creator’s Lounge at The Cabin](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/0Z6A0505.63d2dd83c73ca.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Canon Creative Studio](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/52649838213_ffdb18fb33_b.63d40928d75be.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Chase Sapphire on Main](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/_JD13308.63d47fae7a14a.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![The Latinx House](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/20230120_LatinxHouseOpening_0162.63d2cfedf3d75.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Indigenous House](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/1458571018.63d2d656b608c.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Sommsation Wine Lounge](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/SL2_1567.63d3fa86c128e.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Hendrick’s Gin's #NextGen Celebration](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/003_Photagonist.ca_SDD_0840_20230122_.63d2c3b3df311.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Women Write Now Activation](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/1029_Women_Write_Now_MV1_6598.63d2c0d84d812.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![Michele Pred's Art Installation](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/Fly_Kylie_SundanceActivationDrone_1_2.63d2f12880340.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
![GLAAD x Meredith Marks Park City Boutique Event](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2023/01/1458523913.63d2deb086ce1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)