Sundance Film Festival 2021
Sundance Film Festival 2021

Sundance Institute Announces the (On-Line!) 2021 Film Festival

2020-11-18
3 mins read

The holy grail of independent filmmaking, which is the Sundance Film Festival, announced its 2021 event. For the first time, the Sundance Film Festival 2021 will be held online (Jan. 28– Feb. 3), and with the goal of connecting filmmakers from all over the globe.

2016 Directors Lab: Participants at the 2016 Directors Lab work on "Santosh". © 2016 Sundance Institute | Photo by Brandon Cruz.
2016 Directors Lab: Participants at the 2016 Directors Lab work on “Santosh”. © 2016 Sundance Institute | Photo by Brandon Cruz.

Sundance Film Festival 2021

Sundance Institute has just announced its 2021 Film Festival, and published a new teaser trailer for the upcoming event which looks back at some iconic discoveries from decades of the Festival, and reminds us how every year, we come together as a community to explore the boldest new independent work. Furthermore, the brand-new, dedicated online home, festival.sundance.org was launched, alongside a countdown clock. As stated by the organizers: “We hope that the trailer will lead you — and all lovers of film, creativity, and storytelling —  to get excited for the Festival and sign up for email updates as we roll out announcements in the coming weeks”.

Check the 2021 Sundance Film Festival trailer below:

We’re doing things a bit differently this year! From Jan. 28–Feb. 3, audiences all over the world will gather for the reimagined 2021 Sundance Film Festival.

Sundance Film Festival organizers

When and how?

Opening night is January 28, at which point you’ll be able to access a wide range of free panels, videos, and exclusive content in the company of fellow cinephiles and art enthusiasts from all over the world. If you’re looking to buy tickets or passes to access film screenings during the Festival, we’ll have more information for you in the coming weeks. Furthermore, for the first time ever, the 2021 Fest will unspool online, world premieres and all. “We’re doing things a bit differently this year! From Jan. 28–Feb. 3, audiences all over the world will gather for the reimagined 2021 Sundance Film Festival” the organizers say.

2016 Directors Lab: Cesar Cervantes and Vincent Reyna on the set of "Hot Clip" at the 2016 Directors Lab. © 2016 Sundance Institute | Photo by Brandon Cruz.
2016 Directors Lab: Cesar Cervantes and Vincent Reyna on the set of “Hot Clip” at the 2016 Directors Lab. © 2016 Sundance Institute | Photo by Brandon Cruz.

2020 was a tough year for filmmakers

There is no secret that 2020 was (and still is) an unprecedented insane and tough year, especially for the entertainment industry. Filmmaking under COVID restrictions is an unreal and most challenging task. Independent festivals are the main engine of the filmmaking industry, and it’s hard to explore so many canceled events and screenings. Nevertheless, Sundance has decided to make lemonade from this crisis and to step up to the online platform.

The audience at the Egyptian Theatre: World premiere of The Workers Cup by Adam Sobel at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. © 2017 Sundance Institute | photo by Stephen Speckman
The audience at the Egyptian Theatre: World premiere of The Workers Cup by Adam Sobel at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. © 2017 Sundance Institute | photo by Stephen Speckman

As stated by Tabitha Jackson, Director, Sundance Film Festival: “Welcome to the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. A new chapter filled with possibilities. Despite the challenges this year has brought, nothing could stop us from celebrating independent film, visionary artists, unique perspectives, and you, our adventurous audiences. So, for the first time ever, we are bringing the festival to you—both online and in the real world across the US and beyond. The heart of our festival is our community. The joining of artists and audiences forms something truly extraordinary. We invite you to explore the program, join the conversation, and experience this new festival with us”.

Egyptian Marquee, 2015: © 2015 Sundance Institute | Photo by Jemal Countess
Egyptian Marquee, 2015: © 2015 Sundance Institute | Photo by Jemal Countess

Despite the challenges this year has brought, nothing could stop us from celebrating independent film, visionary artists, unique perspectives, and you, our adventurous audiences.

Tabitha Jackson, Director, Sundance Film Festival

Sundance Film Festival

We wrote a couple of interesting articles regarding this fascinating event. For instance, you should check out our filmmakers’ guide focuses on the Sundance selection process, with a few juicy tips on how to get your film selected by Sundance (read: Sundance Film Festival: A Guide for Filmmakers).

Sundance Film Festival: A Guide for Filmmakers
Sundance Film Festival: A Guide for Filmmakers

Also, there are more technical articles we wrote about the cameras and lenses that were used to shoot Sundance 2020 films. Check them out below:

Final thoughts

As explained, this is the first time ever that the Sundance Film Festival 2021 will take place on-line. The power of this huge event is based on the community, connections, and filmmakers gathering together. However, this time will be different, for sure.

Get the best of filmmaking!

Subscribe to Y.M.Cinema Magazine to get the latest news and insights on cinematography and filmmaking!

YMCinema is a premier online publication dedicated to the intersection of cinema and cutting-edge technology. As a trusted voice in the industry, YMCinema delivers in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and breaking news on professional camera systems, post-production tools, filmmaking innovations, and the evolving landscape of visual storytelling. Recognized by industry professionals, filmmakers, and tech enthusiasts alike, YMCinema stands at the forefront of cinema-tech journalism.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Get the best of filmmaking!

Subscribe to Y.M.Cinema Magazine to get the latest news and insights on cinematography and filmmaking!

Recent Posts

Get the best of filmmaking!

Subscribe to Y.M.Cinema Magazine to get the latest news and insights on cinematography and filmmaking!

Sony FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G on the FX6. Picture: Sony
Previous Story

Sony Presents the FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G:  Cinema Lens With Autofocus Capabilities

Irix Magnetic Mount System (MMS)
Next Story

Irix Introduces Magnetic Mount System for its Cinema Lenses

Latest from News

Atomos Kills Its 8K Global Shutter Dream

Atomos Kills Its 8K Global Shutter Dream

In an industry full of big talk and bigger promises, it’s always refreshing (or sad, depending on your mood) when someone finally admits they couldn’t pull it off. That’s what happened this…
Go toTop

Don't Miss

The Cameras Behind Sundance 2025 Documentaries

The Cameras Behind Sundance 2025 Documentaries

The Sundance Film Festival has always been a proving ground for both storytelling and cinematography. Each year, the selection of cameras used in…
Shooting a Sundance Winner with Canon: A Counterpoint to the ALEXA Dominance

Shooting a Sundance Winner with Canon: A Counterpoint to the ALEXA Dominance

At Y.M. Cinema, we recently questioned Canon’s absence from Sundance 2025 and the festival’s apparent preference for ARRI ALEXA cameras. We also explored…