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The Best Perks for Locals at Sundance

Posted on January 19, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Terina Ria

Terina Ria

The Sundance Film Festival is underway. If you want to take advantage of the festival as a local, here are some of the best perks.

🎥 Local Lens

Sundance’s Local Lens program allows Utah residents to have access to free festival programming including select in-person screenings. Here’s how to sign up:

  • Select a movie from the list.
  • Select a screening (date/time) that’s marked “Local Lens” or “Best of Fest.”
  • Add to cart and proceed to checkout.
  • Enter your Utah address when prompted.
  • Once confirmed the price will be updated to $0.
  • Finish checking out.

🎥 Beyond Film

Hear from filmmakers at Beyond Film, a series that is free, open to the public, and happening on various days throughout the festival. This year’s guests include “Pariah” director Dee Rees, actor Jay Ellis from “Insecure,” and “The Social Network” actor and filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg.

🎥 Free Events

There are many free events and sponsor lounges you can participate in. Here are just a few.

🎥 Online Screenings

While this is open to all, online tickets ($25 each) are convenient when you don’t want to trek to Park City. The caveat: You can only access your selected films between Jan. 25-28.

🎧 For more recs, listen to City Cast Salt Lake: Locals’ Guide to Sundance

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