January 15, 2025: The Sundance Film Festival, scheduled to begin on January 23 in Park City, Utah, will proceed as planned despite the devastating wildfires currently affecting Los Angeles.
In a statement released by Sundance CEO Amanda Kelso and festival director Eugene Hernandez, they expressed support for those impacted by the fires while emphasizing the importance of continuing with the festival. The statement highlighted the resilience of the festival community and the strength drawn from their shared passion.
"We may mourn, but we also know it is important to keep going," the statement read, acknowledging the difficult situation. This announcement follows the cancellation of several major Hollywood events, including the Critics Choice Awards and BAFTA Tea Party, due to the ongoing crisis in the region.
The wildfires, which have claimed at least 24 lives, with 16 people still missing, have displaced nearly 200,000 people and destroyed around 39,000 acres of land. Despite these challenges, the Sundance Festival will continue to draw attention to the power of cinema and creative expression during times of hardship.
