Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024, spotlighting titles from the renowned Sundance Film Festival, will feature artists programs, and film screenings and events across the city. It will be an opportunity to highlight Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene and bolster its status as a diverse, innovative filmmaking hub.
Taking place June 28-30, Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 will make Chicago the only U.S. city to host an independent artist and film weekend in partnership with the Sundance Institute outside of Park City, Utah, the home of the annual prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
Founded by Robert Redford in 1981 with the mission of fostering new voices in independent storytelling, the nonprofit Sundance Institute is an iconic institution and a champion of independent filmmakers globally. Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024, with the tagline “Championing Creative Independence”, will bring the Institute to Chicago, providing an opportunity to celebrate Chicago’s creative community and sharing information from the Institute’s artist development programs to support emerging artists in the City.
“To know the history and landscape of independent storytelling is to know that Chicago has always been a home and a source of inspiration for artists, many of whom have ties to Sundance through our Festival and artist support programs,” said Eugene Hernandez, Festival Director and head of public programming, Sundance Institute. “All of us at the Institute are very much looking forward to deepening our connection to this unique community of film lovers, film champions, and filmmakers through this weekend of events designed for and with the city of Chicago.”
The event will feature:
- Screenings of four films from the January 2024 Sundance Film Festival—premiering for the first time in Chicago—and Q&As with filmmakers
- A short film program and masterclass for emerging and underrepresented filmmakers
- Panel discussions at the Chicago Cultural Center and other venues
- A presentation about Sundance Institute, offering insights on the various artist programs / labs and how to apply
“This partnership provides a unique opportunity for Chicago’s filmmakers to engage with and learn from the Sundance Institute’s incredible team,” said Jonah Zeiger, Deputy Commissioner at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and head of the Chicago Film Office. “We’re excited to offer a platform that nurtures local talent and celebrates the diversity of voices in Chicago’s film community.”
Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 will be a high-profile addition to Chicago’s deep lineup of film events and year-round film programming. With more than 50 film festivals each year, Chicago is at the center of the world’s filmmaking community. Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 will follow on the heels of the Independent Film Exhibition Conference (IND/EX) – focused on all aspects of independent film exhibition. Organized by two major trade organizations, Film Festival Alliance and Art House Convergence, IND/EX immediately precedes the Sundance event, running June 25 – 28 and will draw more than 500 industry stakeholders, including festival organizers, cinema operators, film distributors, and allied organizations to Chicago.
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