It was yet another successful Sundance Film Festival for many filmmakers, creatives, and entertainment enthusiasts alike this year.
While we’re all still wishing we were back in the snow globe like town that is Park City drinking a hot toddy and rubbing elbows with Anne Hathaway, let’s take a look back on the events, panels, and parties that made our official Sundance 2020 roundup one for the books!
Providing kick off brunches, power panels, and a major vibe throughout Sundance was The Blackhouse Foundation. Expanding their mission to provide pathways and opportunities for Black content creators, The Blackhouse Foundation hosted unique events sponsored by WarnerMedia, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, BET Networks, and CAA to name a few.
The Brunching and Digital Storytelling panel featured Facebook Watch and COMPLEX Editor and Chief, Damien Scott discussing the future of media and answering audience questions. Hollywood’s leading lady Issa Rae also made an appearance for a A Lowkey Conversation with Issa Rae and Prentice Penny, to discuss the upcoming season of Insecure. Attendees were encouraged to download the official Blackhouse Festival App to connect with festival-goers, RSVP to events, and learn more about the community.
WarnerMedia and AT&T hosted a first look at the upcoming TNT series Snowpiercer starring Lena Hall and Daveed Diggs. Following the premiere was a moderated Q+A panel with leading actors and Snowpiercer showrunner Graeme Manson. Guests were encouraged to mingle in the Lateral at WarnerMedia Lodge which provided boozy cocktails, a cozy atmosphere, and post event soirees like the WarnerMedia Kick Off Party that extended into the early hours of the morning.
We saw brands teaming up with filmmakers for social good this year with Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE hosting Sitara: Let Girls Dream Screening and Conversation at The Shop in Park City. Sitara, an animated short film that tells the story of child marriage, opened up an important discussion about gender equality and the #LetGirlsDream campaign with Sharmeen Obaid–Chinoy (Director), Yasmeen Hassan (Global Executive Director, Equality Now), Ariel Wengroff (Executive Producer), and Paola Ramos (Vice News correspondent) who moderated the panel.
Kia Telluride Supper Suite by MARBL Toronto hosted A-List after parties night after night and we eventually found ourselves toasting champagne glasses and forgetting the 9am call time the following morning at the POSSESSOR Premiere Party (whoops!).
All in all, Sundance 2020 was a total blast. We hope to see the stars and snow this time next year!