Slamdance Film Festival

Slamdance Film Festival

Founded in 1995 by filmmakers whose movies didn't get into Sundance, the annual Slamdance Film Festival has been the scrappy Park City alternative to Robert Redford's fest ever since. Despite these origins, the event quickly attained a respected reputation for its programming - its lineup is not viewed as Sundance castoffs, but instead often contains a number of standout selections that are worthy of industry attention, not to mention audience support.Over the years, event organizers have maintained a hands-on approach, emphasizing work by emerging directors and cultivating a solid track record of showcasing new voices. While Sundance has expanded over the years to areas all around Park City, into Salt Lake City and elsewhere, Slamdance has remained anchored on Main St, primarily at the Treasure Mountain Inn where its modest, makeshift theaters are typically filled with a mix of filmmakers, friends, and locals - including industry attendees, as the event has a history of helping some films find distribution. Notably, Slamdance has expanded to include year-round activities, events, and competitions. Also important to consider is that Park City in January used to host a number of upstart festivals in Sundance's shadow - Slamdance has demonstrated that it's here to stay while virtually all of the other "Dances" have faded away.