Sundance 2022, in person and online, is still happening

It only seems like a minute go we finished up the 2021 Sundance Film Festival — and now we’re preparing for the 2022 edition.

Tabitha Jackson, the festival’s director, let people know in advance about rule for 2022: Everyone attending would have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In October, Sundance reiterated that rule, and other health and safety requirements. And, just before Christmas, Sundance announced an important clarification: That being “fully vaccinated” meant getting a booster shot, if eligible.

In December, Sundance announced its slate of 82 feature-length films that will screen at the 2022 festival — both in theaters in Park City, Salt Lake City and the Sundance Mountain Resort, and on the festival’s online portal. It also announced that it would show New Frontier installation works both in Park City — in a space called The Craft — and online, in a virtual space called The Spaceship.

One notable thing about Sundance’s Park City footprint: It will be smaller. Three traditional venues — the MARC, in the Park City racquet club; the Park Avenue, in the hotel formerly known as The Yarrow; and the Temple Theatre, in the Temple Har Shalom synagogue — will not be used this year. (In Salt Lake City, the Tower Theatre is out of commission, as it’s in the midst of renovations.)

By the way, Utah residents will get special deals for ticket packages, and some free screenings.

The Slamdance Film Festival announced its slate, as well. And, just before Christmas, Slamdance announced it would abandon its plans to return this year to Park City’s Treasure Mountain Inn, and conduct its festival as an online-only event for the second year in a row.