Sundance Film Festival is a famous name in the world of film festivals.
In fact, this event can be considered a pioneer in the industry that has kept its position for more than 35 years.
Sundance is one of the largest independent film festivals in the USA.
During the last years, it experienced some significant growth and now it is a worldwide known event that attracts about 60 000 attendees every year.
Every year, about 13,000 films are submitted for the festival and only 1% of them can really participate in the event.
Those lucky who were chosen go to Park City, Utah where they perform their films for the public.
To tell the truth, the festival can be called the mecca of the independent film industry.
Nevertheless, there are still some facts that most people don’t know about this event.
In this article, you can find 6 facts about the Sundance Film Festival anyone hardly knows.
Contents
- In The Beginning, The Festival Changed Several Names
- It Is Robert Redford Who Founded the Sundance Institute
- Anyone Can Submit to The Film Festival
- There is a High Possibility to Get a Distribution Deal
- The ‘Birth of a Nation’ Made History at Sundance Film Festival
- It’s Quite Possible to Leave Sundance a Star
- United States Safety Overview
In The Beginning, The Festival Changed Several Names
Nowadays Sundance is a famous name in the film community but at the very beginning, the organizers spent a long time deciding on a name for the festival.
Back then it was called the United States Film Festival and later it was changed several times before it started to be called as Sundance Film Festival.
It Is Robert Redford Who Founded the Sundance Institute
Sundance Institute was founded by a famous actor Robert Redford in 1981.
In 1978, the festival itself was founded by Sterling Van Wagenen and John Earle who wanted to support independent filmmakers and help them advance.
Later, Robert Redford participated in the festival.
He thought that anyone could use their creativity to influence the world but they just need an opportunity to do it.
Anyone Can Submit to The Film Festival
Most people think that only well-known, rising stars can participate in this festival.
The truth is that it is absolutely the opposite.
The goal of this festival is to inspire changes in the industry and help new people enter it.
In other words, any aspiring filmmaker can enter a submission at this festival.
Of course, it can be pretty challenging as there are thousands of participants but it’s for sure worth it.
There is a High Possibility to Get a Distribution Deal
Despite numerous odds, applicants still have lots of chances to get a distribution deal after performing at the festival.
As you understand, only the best films can be performed at the festival that’s why investors gladly support participants.
About 80% of the films performed during the festival are bought by large entities.
The ‘Birth of a Nation’ Made History at Sundance Film Festival
For the first time, the story of an American-born slave, Nat Turner, who led a rebellion was performed by Nate Parker at Sundance in 2016.
In fact, the film was one of the most famous and successful films ever performed at the festival.
It was bought by Fox Searchlight for $17,5 million and became known as the largest deal during the long-lasting history of the festival.
It’s Quite Possible to Leave Sundance a Star
Sundance is a place where a fairytale can come true.
For example, Steven Soderbergh who volunteered as a shutter driver at the festival won the Audience Award for his film “Sex, Lies, & Videotape’ in 1988.
In fact, this film revolutionized the whole industry of independent film during the 1990s.
Only a few years later, Robert Rodriguez won the Audience Award for his film “El Mariachi” which had a budget of only $7000.
United States Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: United States Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
The Sundance Film Festival is a renowned event that has been a pioneer in the industry for over 35 years, attracting thousands of attendees and providing opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work.