How to Go to the Sundance Film Festival

Every January, Park City, Utah, comes alive when the biggest stars in Hollywood roll in for the Sundance Film Festival. Originally started by Robert Redford to celebrate the artistic process of making film, it has exploded to be the who's who (with amazing corporate sponsors) for the up and comers of the movie industry. Here's how to go to the Sundance Film Festival.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Swing by the official site of the Sundance Film Festival (see Resources below). Because of the popularity of the festival, you have to stay on top of important dates. Usually passes and tickets go on sale in late September. So visit the site and make sure you are one of the first to sign up, because it's like a rock concert, they sell out quickly.
2. Plan your travel to Park City Utah well ahead of time. Flights and hotel rooms get snapped up quickly for late January with a lot of people having standing reservations every year. The official Sundance site suggests that you call (877) SFF-STAY to book your travel. This you can do year round. Salt Lake City airport (symbol SLC) is going to be your best bet. Then rent a car and make the drive up to Park City.
3. Take advantage of more than just movies. Sundance is certainly about the movies. But it's also about the parties, the skiing, and the work. There are some fantastic film labs, symposiums and panels that you can watch and participate in. Simply sign up and get more information on the Sundance Film Festival site. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the studio execs, writers directors and more.
4. Go to the Sundance Film Festival and watch movies. After all, if that is your passion, that is why you have braved the cold and the crowds to show up in Park City. Be sure to arrive at screenings at least 45 minutes early as they tend to oversell the tickets so that theatres are packed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not already on a party list, don't bother going to a party. Because the biggest stars in movies are around, security is tight; it's tough to talk your way past the doorman.
• Get swag. There are plenty of corporate sponsors that are looking to pass out their free merchandise to everybody. Target those spots and show up early. Some people have been known to even bring additional suitcases just to take the amount of free stuff home.