Leading Independent Film Festival Leaves Park City, Utah
Slamdance, known for its artist-led ethos of “by filmmakers for filmmakers,” has announced a significant shift in its annual film festival’s location. Beginning in February 2025, the festival will move to Los Angeles, the bustling heart of the entertainment industry. This move aims to foster the ongoing growth of Slamdance’s mission, providing an inclusive and vibrant community for independent and visionary filmmakers and creators.
Scheduled to run from February 20 to 26, 2025, the festival will take place at various venues in and around Hollywood, including the Landmark Theatres and the DGA Theater Complex, with additional locations to be revealed. In a bid for financial accessibility, in-person passes will start at $50.00, and numerous programs will be offered free to the public.
The festival will continue to feature existing and new programs, such as Polytechnic, Slamdance’s educational initiative; ‘6ixty’, a series of one-minute short films created on any format; Next Wave LA, showcasing new media work by LA-based artists, and the innovative DIG (Digital, Interactive, Gaming) program.
Panasonic LUMIX has been named the Official Sponsor of the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival in Los Angeles, highlighting the collaboration between cutting-edge technology and independent filmmaking. Other industry partners include the DGA, Landmark Theatres, and AGBO.
Filmmakers and AGBO co-founders Anthony and Joe Russo expressed their enduring commitment to Slamdance, emphasizing its vital role in nurturing filmmakers and fostering creative opportunities. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the move, praising the city’s historical significance as a hub for independent storytelling and expressing excitement for the festival’s potential to drive creativity, connectivity, and job opportunities.
Slamdance President and Founder Peter Baxter affirmed the organization’s dedication to advancing independent film and digital media globally, stating their intention to enhance accessibility and continue supporting emerging filmmakers in Los Angeles.
Notable alumni and supporters of Slamdance include industry luminaries like The Russo Brothers, Emma and Christopher Nolan, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Sean Baker, Rian Johnson, Bong Joon Ho, Merawi Gerima, Marie Jamora, and Steven Soderbergh.
Having been based in Park City, Utah, since its inception in 1995, Slamdance experienced significant success at its most recent edition in January 2024, with record-breaking attendance and ticket sales. The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices was evident in its 2024 lineup, comprising 113 films, with nearly half directed by BIPOC creators or female/non-binary filmmakers.
Submissions for the Slamdance 2025 Film Festival will open on May 8, 2024, inviting emerging talents from around the globe to participate in this celebrated event. Additionally, a selection of Slamdance features, shorts, and episodics is available for year-round viewing on the Slamdance Channel.
