Set for Sundance: Tickets go live

Get ready, film lovers — the 2025 Sundance Film Festival is set to return this January with a new lineup of films and voices.

Tickets went on sale Oct. 23. This year, the Sundance team offers specialized options, including passes designed specifically for locals and young adults.

Basil Tsiokos, one of Sundance’s senior programmers, encourages students and other young adults to take advantage of these passes.

“We very much encourage young audiences to come out and see what we have to offer,” Tsiokos said.

The Salt Lake City Young Adult Pass was designed for attendees aged 18-25. For $300, it provides unlimited priority access to Salt Lake City screenings.

“That one is going fast,” Tsiokos said. “If folks are interested, we’d encourage you to pick that up soon because it looks on track to sell out.”

For young adults who are interested in the filmmaking process, the Ignite ticket package is another option. It includes an invitation to exclusive Ignite events, 10 tickets to in-person screenings, select screenings with live introductions and Q&As by filmmakers, short films and episodic programs.

“It’s a really important program we do as part of the Sundance Institute,” Tsiokos said. “It provides opportunities for young filmmakers to learn more about the filmmaking process, to attend meetings and events with some of the filmmakers.”

Grace Warner, a 23-year-old Utah native and self-described cinephile, has worked with Sundance for the past three years. She encourages young adults to take advantage of these opportunities.

“Sundance has helped me to figure out my career aspirations as well as taught me so much about professionalism in media,” Warner said. “I love the Park City experience, so I would recommend the Ignite pass, though both are amazing options.”

Despite decades of hosting the festival in Utah, the Sundance Institute has been pursuing the possibility of relocation. A press release from Sept. 12, 2024 named Boulder, Colo.; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah, as the finalists for Sundance’s location after the 2026 festival.

Tsiokos says the decision will be made and announced in the late winter or early spring of 2025.

“We are still in the process of making the final determination, but we’re really happy Utah is still in,” Tsiokos said. “We are factoring in a lot of different things as we figure out what we’re doing, but the next two festivals will still be in Park City and Salt Lake.”

There are concerns that if Sundance leaves Utah, it will be an economic detriment to the state. Sundance provides $118.3 million in Utah’s gross domestic product, 1,608 jobs for Utah residents, $63 million in Utah wages and $12.8 million in state and local tax revenue.

“The impact the Sundance has on the local community is astronomical,” Warner said.

However, the possible impact of losing Sundance isn’t just about economics — it’s personal for residents.

“Everyone there is hungry to create something, make an impact on the world or learn something new,” Warner said. “I have been changed by seeing such intelligent, creative and caring people accomplish their goals.”

For now, Sundance 2025 is moving forward in its usual Utah locales, and Tsiokos encourages anyone and everyone to come.

“Sundance sometimes can feel like an insider situation for filmmakers, and we’re trying to combat that idea,” Tsiokos said. “There are few places like this that bring together so many different kinds of people, so take advantage of it in whatever way that makes sense for you.”

As a young adult herself, Warner encourages students and young adults in particular to attend.   

“Go to the screenings, go to cinema cafe, volunteer,” Warner said. “You will meet friends from across the world and make so many amazing career connections. More than anything, it’s just a fun experience.”

As the festival draws nearer, those interested in attending are encouraged to visit Sundance’s website to explore ticket options and stay updated on schedules and screenings.