After two successful years of online screenings at a virtual festival forced by the pandemic, the Sundance Film Festival is shifting a bit to prioritize the in-person experience for its 2024 edition. The new Festival Director and Head of Public Programming?, Eugene Hernandez, explained that Sundance will still include a virtual component, but it will be more selective and available for a shorter window than before. The virtual screenings for the general public will begin on January 25 and run until the festival’s last day, January 28, with a focus on films in the event’s competition sections.

In-person premieres will take place starting 18 January 18 and continue through 23 January in various venues in Park City and Salt Lake City. Screenings of official selections will continue through the closing weekend with the festival aiming to welcome both new artists and alumni.

Next year’s festival will mark Sundance’s 40th anniversary and it will once again feature over 90 feature films and 60 shorts. An awards ceremony is scheduled for 26 January. Hernandez explained that Sundance is trying to balance the in-person and virtual aspects of the event while simultaneously keeping the event fiscally viable, “As we plan for next year, it has been invigorating and inspiring to reflect on the history of this great Festival and dig in with colleagues to shape a sustainable vision for the future that builds and embraces audiences from all walks of life.”