New Frontier

Each year there are new elements to storytelling that push established boundaries, and New Frontier showcases those elements in its interactive exhibitions. The installations are immersive and help audiences experience stories in new ways. New Frontier is located at the Claim Jumper (573 Main St) and is free and open to the public for the duration of the festival.

Art of Film Weekend

Last year’s inaugural Art of Film Weekend (January 26–30) included a powerhouse discussion at the Egyptian Theatre with George Lucas and Robert Redford. This very cerebral event happens the final four days of the festival and offers a robust schedule of activities bringing together an unprecedented array of artists to celebrate the art and craft of filmmaking. The special panels, workshops, anddiscussions are available for credentialed festivalgoers on a first-come, first-served basis. Some events are also ticketed. Keep an eye on the Sundance website for Art of Film 2016 details. 

Film Church

The final Sunday morning of the festival (January 31) offers a near-spiritual experience to film nerds who can sacrifice sleeping in for an intimate conversation with Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper and Festival Director of Programming Trevor Groth. The casual dishing that happens at the Filmmakers Lodge (site TBD, sundance.org) never disappoints, with behind-the-scenes stories, photos, and plenty of belly laughs. Be sure to study up before attending: those in the know about festival trivia get a chance to win coveted festival swag. Open to all credential holders and the general public on a space-available basis. This worship session begins at 10 a.m. Arrive early for limited seating.

Best of Fest Screenings

After the festival ends, Utah residents get special access to screenings of the previous 10 days’ award-winning films on Monday, February 1. Present a valid Utah driver’s license to pick up tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at the festival’s main box office (136 Heber Ave) on Saturday, January 16. Beginning two hours before the screening time, locals without tickets can request a waitlist number through an eWaitlist account (sundance.org/wait). There is a limit of two tickets per person per screening (with a maximum of four tickets total).