Choose Chicago and the Chicago Film Office, in partnership with the Sundance Institute, announced an exciting new independent film event coming to Chicago this summer. Taking place June 28-30, Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 will feature artists programs, film screenings and events across the city and will be an opportunity to highlight Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene and bolster its status as a diverse and innovative filmmaking hub. Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 will make Chicago the only U.S. city to host an independent artist and film weekend in partnership with the Sundance Institute outside of Park City, Utah, the home of the annual prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his support for this partnership, saying, “This collaboration between Choose Chicago, the City of Chicago, and the Sundance Institute is a momentous occasion for our city. It not only celebrates our rich filmmaking heritage, but also provides an unparalleled platform for our local talent to engage with industry leaders and decision-makers. This event is a shining example of our commitment to enriching Chicago’s cultural landscape and fostering an environment where the arts can thrive.”
Founded by Robert Redford in 1981 with the mission of fostering new voices in independent storytelling, the nonprofit Sundance Institute is an iconic institution and a champion of independent filmmakers globally. Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024, with the tagline “Championing Creative Independence”, will bring the Institute to Chicago, providing an opportunity to celebrate Chicago’s creative community and sharing information from the Institute’s artist development programs to support emerging artists in the City.
“To know the history and landscape of independent storytelling is to know that Chicago has always been a home and a source of inspiration for artists, many of whom have ties to Sundance through our Festival and artist support programs,” said Eugene Hernandez, Festival Director and head of public programming, Sundance Institute. “All of us at the Institute are very much looking forward to deepening our connection to this unique community of film lovers, film champions, and filmmakers through this weekend of events designed for and with the city of Chicago.”
The event will feature:
• Screenings of four films from the January 2024 Sundance Film Festival—premiering for the first time in Chicago—and Q&As with filmmakers
• A short film program and masterclass for emerging and underrepresented filmmakers
• Panel discussions at the Chicago Cultural Center and other venues
• A presentation about Sundance Institute, offering insights on the various artist programs / labs and how to apply
“This partnership provides a unique opportunity for Chicago’s filmmakers to engage with and learn from the Sundance Institute’s incredible team,” said Jonah Zeiger, Deputy Commissioner at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and head of the Chicago Film Office. “We’re excited to offer a platform that nurtures local talent and celebrates the diversity of voices in Chicago’s film community. This special partnership with Sundance Institute is part of a broader effort to highlight Chicago’s unique role as an essential hub for independent film. I see a natural alignment between the important work Sundance has been doing and the inclusive, engaged culture of Chicago’s film community.”
The Chicago Film Office will take a leading role in facilitating the panel components of the weekend. Advisory groups will inform what kinds of conversations will be beneficial to our community and the national fields. This programming presents an opportunity to pair local voices alongside Sundance Institute staff and other leading industry professionals, elevating our filmmaking community while framing current issues with Chicago’s specific position in mind.
“We are thrilled that the Sundance Institute has chosen Chicago for this first-time event,” said Chicago Alliance Film Festival representative Karen Cardarelli. “We have an incredibly dynamic and inclusive film festival scene here and look forward to collaborating with the Sundance Institute to ignite and inspire Chicago audiences.” Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 will be a high-profile addition to Chicago’s deep lineup of film events and year-round film programming. With more than 50 film festivals each year, Chicago is at the center of the world’s filmmaking community. Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 will follow on the heels of the Independent Film Exhibition Conference (IND/EX) – focused on all aspects of independent film exhibition.
To learn more and sign up for updates, including venue and ticket on-sale dates, for Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024, visit SundanceInstituteXChicago.com.
