- Navigating the Sundance Film Festival in the charming, former silver mining town-turned premiere ski village of Park City, Utah, can be confusing and frustrating, but thanks to years of practice and a little advice from veteran festival participant, Brett DiFranco, you’ll feel like you’re dancing your way through the fest! Here’s how to (sun)dance:
- Fly into Salt Lake City airport. It’s only a 30 minute drive up the mountain to Park City.
- Don’t rent a car; use Uber. You’ll pay a premium, but you won’t be worried about being towed, plus driving around town is impossible.
- Ride the bus, but be sure to factor in travel time.
- Talk on the bus! You never know who might be sitting next to and you might even make a few connections or get invited to a party.
- Running short on time? Walk! It’s a great workout!
- No tickets? No worries! The “wait-list” app is there for you. Find a film, register for wait list and see what random number you receive. Show up 30 minutes before the film and you’re golden. --The app lets you know your chances and if you get a high number, get off that list and find another film to see. The hot-listed films can be tough to get into, but the later in the week you go, the better your chances.
- Buy food at the grocery store and pack snack bags to eat while you wait in line.
- Talk to your neighbor in line. You’re bound to be there a while and you’ll meet filmmakers, distributors, actors, and directors!
- Dining out is tough as reservations are far and few between, but just eat at the bar if there’s space---you’ll meet more amazing people. The earlier you dine, the better your chances of eating at a restaurant.
- Restaurants located off of Main St. are your best bet: Windy Ridge Cafe, Blind Dog, Sammy’s Bistro, Vinto.
- It’s Utah, so the state run liquor stores are not open on Sundays. Cheers!
- Dare to sit in the front row to see a film---it’s the best place to see the actors and filmmakers up close and personal and your photos will be great!
- VRBO, Airbnb, and Craigslist, at this late time, are your best bets for finding accommodations. And people always cancel at the last minute so you might just get lucky!
- Hang out by “the town lift” where all the actors come and go. It’s a great place to get a selfie with the newest rising star!
- Slamdance Film Festival takes place at the top of the mountain street and offers an amazing array of films too. Take a chance and see what this festival has to offer!
- Go skiing. No one is on the mountain---everyone’s in a movie theater so the mountain is open! No lines, no crowds, and mountain dining is amazing.
HAPPY SUNDANCING!
By Pamela Powell