2025 Sundance Film Festival officially begins

 

PARK CITY — In Park City, the 2025 Sundance Film Festival is officially underway.

If you are out people-watching, you may come across some names like Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna.

You’ll also find, though, that some of the best moments are those you’re not looking for.

“You drive in here every year and see the mountains. You get closer and closer,” said Senior Programmer John Nein.

That is, until you are right in the heart of Park City for the Sundance Film Festival.

“You know, going to a theater is great. We can all see movies in a theater. Or watch them at home. We don’t get the same experience as you get when you come to a festival,” Nein said.

Nearly 90 feature films at Sundance 2025

Nein said there are 87 features in this year’s festival. He said there is an energy around what people think they know about the films.

“You’re an audience. Take a risk on something. Take a risk on something you don’t know. I’m looking at Academy Award nominations this morning. Some of those people started their careers here,” Nein said.

If you go online, you will see there are a lot of sold-out films.

Nein said that should not stop you from coming out to the festival as there are wait lists and a variety of other free events that add to the entire experience.

“This is a chance for people to meet the people who made the movies. And all that programming is free,” Nein said.

The best way to experience this year’s film festival is with an open mind and no expectations.

“Just show up and discover something, like those names that we said that are going to be around town. If that’s what you want to do, that’s great. You may or may not see Jennifer Lopez walking down the street, but you got to go out thinking something’s good,” Nein said.

The Sundance Film Festival can be a great opportunity to catch talent rising.