David Alan Grier, Justice Smith, Kobi Libii, and IMDb's Tre Wesley spoke onstage during the IMDbPro Panel: A Discussion with The American Society of Magical Negroes.Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Acura
Mainstay brands like Audible, Adobe, and Chase packed the programming lineup with panel discussions, cast parties, and musical performances, and many offered laid-back lounges.
Sundance organizers also continued the hybrid format. But this year, the online program was accessible after the first week of the fest (as opposed to running simultaneously with the in-person screenings) via the festival’s digital platform.
Keep scrolling to see inside the parties, activations, panels, and more from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival...
The Egyptian Theatre served as an official 2024 Sundance Film Festival screening venue.
Photo: Courtesy of Sundance
Sundance Opening Night Gala
On Jan. 19, the Sundance Institute kicked off the festival with the 2024 Opening Night Gala: Celebrating 40 Years Presented by Chase Sapphire, which honored Christopher Nolan (pictured), Kristen Stewart, Maite Alberdi, Celine Song, and Pat Mitchell. The event was held at the DeJoria Center.
Photo: Courtesy of Sundance
The Vulture Spot
New York Magazine's Vulture returned to Sundance with "The Vulture Spot," its signature photo and video studio on Main Street.
Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Vulture
Here, Ketel One hosted a dedicated branded bar within the lounge, offering signature cocktails throughout the weekend. Specialty cocktails included “The Blaze” (Ketel One Vodka, blood orange, lime, and spiced hibiscus tea) and an espresso martini (Ketel One Vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur).
Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Vulture
At The Vulture Spot, talent and their guests had the opportunity to engage with Free People’s winter lines. The space was outfitted with a bespoke Free People-branded retail display area where guests could browse and try on.
Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Vulture
Ketel One Vodka
As the official vodka brand of the film festival, Ketel One hosted events including the Love Me premiere party and the Midnight MACRO party at the MACRO Lodge, which featured a chairlift activation. (Pictured: Colman Domingo at Midnight MACRO)
Photo: Mat Hayward for Getty Images
The Cut’s ‘How I Get It Done’ Event
New York Magazine’s The Cut hosted a live panel discussion of its editorial column, “How I Get It Done.” Actress and musician Andra Day, actress Bella Heathcote, and director and writer Laura Chinn chatted about women in entertainment. The panel was moderated by The Cut’s editor in chief, Lindsay Peoples.
Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for The Cut
Bumble, which sponsored the event, handed out branded swag including a yellow cowboy hat.
Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for The Cut
TAO Park City presented by poppi
Tao Group Hospitality took over Park City Jan. 19 and 20, welcoming VIPs and celebrities including Kieran Culkin, Aubrey Plaza, Steve Yeun, Malia Obama, Dylan Mulvaney, Chris Colfer, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Too Short, and more to Utah Film Studios.
Photo: Courtesy of TAO Park City
The space featured a poppi soda experience with bodega-style fridges filled with cans.
Photo: Courtesy of TAO Park City
Ski-inspired activations included a whimsical winter chalet from Hendrick’s Gin and an après-ski Campari bar. Casamigos returned as the exclusive tequila partner with a custom bar with a ski slope photo op. Moët & Chandon and Whispering Angel were also served. Guests were treated to a musical performance by DJ duo Sofi Tukker.
Photo: Courtesy of TAO Park City
Adobe on Main
As the presenting sponsor and official editing platform of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Adobe hosted its own space for the first time. From Jan. 19-22, filmmakers, film students, and press and industry professionals were able to stop by “Adobe on Main” to hear from leading Sundance filmmakers and meet with Adobe film and audio experts.
Photo: Courtesy of Adobe
Highlights from Adobe’s programming included a discussion on diversifying storytelling in film, hosted by Variety; IndieWire-hosted "Creator Collaborations in Filmmaking;" and a discussion with documentary filmmakers on the art and craft of nonfiction storytelling.
Photo: Courtesy of Adobe
UTA House
Once again, UTA took over Main Street Jan. 19-21 by transforming the Kaneo restaurant into a modular event space where it hosted panels, dinners, happy hours, and parties. UTA brought back Los Angeles experiential company Mirrored Media to design and produce the activation.
Photo: Courtesy of Mirrored Media for UTA
Throughout the weekend, the agency welcomed filmmakers, talent, tastemakers, brand leaders, and industry partners with a programming lineup that included a conversation led by Carlos López Estrada and Amy Aniobi of production company SuperSpecial about the power of multidisciplinary work.
Photo: Courtesy of Mirrored Media for UTA
Acura House of Energy
Acura returned for its 14th year as presenting sponsor and official vehicle of the festival with its re-imagined space called the Acura House of Energy, where it hosted interviews, panels, mixers, and premiere parties along with live music from an in-house DJ. For its programming, the auto brand formed partnerships with GLAAD, WIF, ASCAP, and Gold House, in addition to a collaboration with IMDb for The IMDb Studio.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Acura
The new all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX Type S performance SUV was prominently displayed inside the Acura House of Energy. The car featured a special graphic installation wrap in collaboration with Miami artist HOXXOH. Also, the 2024 MDX and MDX Type S performance SUVs served as the official vehicles of the festival. More than 100 Acura SUVs transported filmmakers, talent, festival jurors, and Sundance Institute staff throughout the event.
Photo: Todd Williamson/Shutterstock for GLAAD
David Alan Grier, Justice Smith, Kobi Libii, and IMDb's Tre Wesley spoke onstage during the IMDbPro Panel: A Discussion with The American Society of Magical Negroes.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Acura
GLAAD, Frameline, and NewFest 'Cheers, Queers' Event
GLAAD hosted “Cheers, Queers,” a panel and party on Jan. 19, which was co-presented in partnership with Acura and co-host IMDbPro. The event included a “Queer Film Is Activism” panel and a mixer to toast the LGBTQ filmmakers and community members in attendance.
Photo: Todd Williamson/Shutterstock for GLAAD
DoorDash's 'Your Door to More'
DoorDash brought a multifaceted experience to the festival, providing anything attendees needed on demand. The activation followed the launch of the brand's new campaign, “Your Door to More,” which highlights how DoorDash helps consumers navigate daily life, from fresh groceries and convenient snacks to household items and more.
Photo: Courtesy of DoorDash
The outdoor activation served as an on-site concierge for festivalgoers to get essentials during their time in Park City, along with hot cocoa and surprise-and-delight perks. Brand partners like Lumify, Trojan, Batiste, YETI, and more also had sampling opportunities. Plus, DashPass members received benefits, including a DoorDash personal delivery assistant for coffee and other convenience needs throughout the day, subscriptions from brands like Audible and Adobe, and tickets to premium film screenings. DoorDash also offered access to reservations at top Park City restaurants and sponsored special concessions at premiere movies for an added touchpoint.
Photo: Courtesy of DoorDash
Chase Sapphire on Main
Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card members had access to perks throughout the festival, including entrance into Chase Sapphire on Main, a two-story lounge and entertainment venue. At night, the building was illuminated in sapphire blue.
Photo: Jack Dempsey
The interior featured a relaxed living room setting with seating in the brand's signature blue.
Photo: Jack Dempsey
The lounge featured several live musical performances throughout the week including one from Leon Bridges (pictured), as well as panel discussions, cast parties, and other card member events.
Photo: Jack Dempsey
Chase Sapphire teamed up with the Los Angeles Times to host the Los Angeles Times Talks @ Sundance Film Festival Presented by Chase Sapphire—a series of discussions with Sundance filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters that were moderated by the outlet’s entertainment editors.
Photo: Jack Dempsey
Disney’s ‘Out of My Mind’ Premiere Party
Disney Branded Television hosted a cocktail reception in celebration of the world premiere of the Disney Original Movie Out of My Mind on Jan. 19 at Handle restaurant in Park City. The novel-turned-film follows 12-year-old Melody Brooks, a girl with cerebral palsy, played by Phoebe-Rae Taylor.
Photo: Mirrored Media for Disney
Mirrored Media designed and produced the reception in conjunction with the Disney Branded Television events team, transforming the venue into a custom-branded soiree featuring curated F&B, a shareable photo moment, a DJ set by William Lifestyle, and more.
Photo: Mirrored Media for Disney
Canon Creative Studio
Canon celebrated its 14th consecutive year as a sponsor of the festival with its flagship Sundance space, the Canon Creative Studio.
Photo: Courtesy of Canon
Here, guests were able to experience panel programming that spotlighted the latest trends in independent filmmaking. Canon worked with cinematography media outlet American Cinematographer magazine to program its panels.
Photo: Courtesy of Canon
The studio featured various shooting vignettes with a wide range of equipment, lighting, and models to allow guests to test out the latest Canon gear.
Photo: Courtesy of Canon
The Audible Listening Lodge
Audible returned to Main Street with The Audible Listening Lodge. From Jan. 19-21, attendees could visit the branded space that offered scenic views of Park City, fireplaces, light bites and beverages, and a selection of Audible projects presented in vibrant orange listening gondolas.
Photo: Courtesy of Audible
Audible’s outdoor patio featured a heated yurt.
Photo: Courtesy of Audible
Inside the lodge, the audio storytelling platform also hosted a series of “Variety x Audible Cocktails and Conversations” panels featuring discussions with creatives.
(Pictured: The panel discussion “Breaking Down Genres” featured Chiwetel Ejiofor, Giancarlo Esposito, Susanna Fogel, Audible’s Kate Navin, and Alok Vaid-Menon.)
(Pictured: The panel discussion “Breaking Down Genres” featured Chiwetel Ejiofor, Giancarlo Esposito, Susanna Fogel, Audible’s Kate Navin, and Alok Vaid-Menon.)
Photo: Kate Jones/Variety for Audible
Variety Interview Studio, Presented by Audible
Throughout the weekend, Audible welcomed film industry guests to the Variety Interview Studio, presented by Audible, where they shared their insights on inspiration and storytelling. Both the studio and Audible Listening Lodge were produced by Civic Entertainment Group, with PR by Civic Entertainment Group PR.
Photo: John Salangsang/Variety for Audible
Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment’s Indie Directors and Creators Spotlight
Held Jan. 20 and 21 at The Cabin on Main Street, the two-day activation celebrated diverse voices in filmmaking and highlighted new and upcoming talent. The event featured panel discussions with creatives including Ruth E. Carter, Robi Reed, Ken Whittingham, and more, as well as live performances from SWV and DJ Spinderella.
Photos: Kayla Oaddams
Annual Gotham Dinner
The Gotham Film & Media Institute held its annual dinner, which was hosted by board member and actor Riley Keough and executive director Jeffrey Sharp. The event was held at Grub Steak House and featured performances by musical artists Avail and Bad Math.
Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute
IMDb, WIF, and ‘Entertainment Weekly’ Dinner
At this private, invitation-only dinner hosted by IMDb, WIF, and Entertainment Weekly, entertainment industry professionals, thought leaders, and champions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility gathered on Jan. 22 at The St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City.
The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of WIF (founded as Women In Film) and its ongoing collaboration with IMDb to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the entertainment industry. At the event, WIF launched its Action50 campaign, a list of 50 specific, actionable steps Hollywood can take to further advance gender equity in the screen industries.
The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of WIF (founded as Women In Film) and its ongoing collaboration with IMDb to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the entertainment industry. At the event, WIF launched its Action50 campaign, a list of 50 specific, actionable steps Hollywood can take to further advance gender equity in the screen industries.
Photo: Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb
Brady Panel
On Jan. 21, gun violence prevention group Brady hosted a panel, “Storytelling and Gun Safety: Changing the Narrative to Save Lives,” which featured Brady President Kris Brown, gun violence survivor Rep. Maxwell Frost, actor/filmmaker Clark Gregg, and producers Jelani Johnson and Laura Lewis. The discussion focused on Hollywood’s role in preventing gun violence by modeling responsible gun ownership and showing the consequences of reckless gun use.
Photo: Courtesy of Brady
