The Sundance Film Festival is undoubtedly one of the most iconic events in Utah.
Every year, hundreds, if not thousands, of people from around the country gather in Park City to watch aspiring filmmakers share their art. The Sundance Institute is dedicated to sharing this experience and making sure it gets the attention it deserves. That’s why they recently announced Local Lens, providing access for all to discover the latest and greatest films.
Local Lens is a three-day event that takes place July 17-19 in Park City and Salt Lake City. The shows in Park City will be held at the Ray Theater, while the Salt Lake City Shows will be at Broadway Centre Cinemas. Local Lens will give Utahns the chance to see award-winning films for free before they are publicly released. It’s a rare and good opportunity to engage with high art free of charge.
There is a wide variety of genres shown at Local Lens, from drama to documentary. The movies include “Twinless,” which features two young men who meet in a twin bereavement class and form an unlikely friendship. Next is “Omaha,” after a family tragedy, two siblings are woken up one morning and taken on a cross-country road trip by their father. “Rebuilding” depicts a rancher trying to find a way forward after a wildfire destroys his family farm. “All That’s Left of You (اللي باقي منك) ” is a self-described “epic historical drama” that follows the story of three generations of immigrants and examines how trauma is passed through them. “Selena Y Los Dinos” is a documentary about the famous singer Selena Quintanilla and her rise to fame.
For those who are more interested in a slower, reflective story, “Come see me in the Good Light” follows two poets, one diagnosed with terminal cancer, as they go on a journey through life. “The Librarians” is another documentary, this time about the wave of book bans in Texas and the Librarians fighting back against suppression of ideals. Lastly, “The Dating Game” is a documentary about three bachelors who go on a week-long dating camp as a last resort method to find love.
The filmmakers will present their films at Local Lens, followed by a Q&A session. Two of the most prolific directors doing this will be Cole Webley, director of “Omaha,” and Kim A. Snyder, who directed “The Librarians.” But best of all, there will be an “Artist Round Table” made available by a collaboration with Spy Hop. It will provide aspiring artists with a direct link to an exchange of both creative ideas and helpful knowledge. There will be panels, Q&A’s and a general opportunity for networking and seeing how creative processes unfold for different people.
Local Lens is not only a way to give back to the community of Utah, but a way to help enrich their artistry. Local Lens will be free to sign up for and to attend, though there is a limited number of seats per screening. Make sure to see the best Sundance has to offer this July.
