The Sundance Institute has announced the "2026 Sundance Film Festival: Local Lens," a series of free public screenings scheduled for July 18–19, 2026, in Park City and Salt Lake City. The program features four award-winning selections from the 2026 festival, offering Utah residents early access to independent films alongside filmmaker Q&As at the Library Center Theatre and the Utah Film Center.
Where and When to Attend Local Lens
The event spans two days across two major Utah hubs, providing local audiences with direct access to independent cinema. According to the official Sundance Institute schedule, screenings will take place at the Utah Film Center in Salt Lake City and the Jim Santy Auditorium at the Library Center Theatre in Park City.
Schedule of Screenings:
- Union County: July 18 at 1 p.m. (Salt Lake City); July 19 at 7 p.m. (Park City)
- Take Me Home: July 18 at 4 p.m. (Salt Lake City)
- The Lake: July 18 at 7 p.m. (Salt Lake City); July 19 at 1 p.m. (Park City)
- TheyDream: July 19 at 4 p.m. (Park City)
Tickets are free to the public but require advance reservation through the Sundance Institute website.
Featured Films and Filmmaker Participation
The lineup highlights projects recognized during the 2026 festival circuit. Eugene Hernandez, Director of the Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming, stated that the series serves as a vital component of the Institute’s year-round commitment to its home state.
- Union County: Directed by Adam Meeks, this fiction film stars Will Poulter and Noah Centineo, focusing on the challenges of recovery within the opioid crisis.
- Take Me Home: Liz Sargent’s drama, which received the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, explores the complex caretaking dynamics between aging parents and their disabled adult child.
- The Lake: Directed by Abby Ellis, this documentary examines environmental risks in Utah and was honored with the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Impact for Change.
- TheyDream: Filmmaker William David Caballero’s documentary, a recipient of the NEXT Special Jury Award for Creative Expression, captures his family’s experience with loss and the healing power of animation.
Why This Program Matters for Local Audiences
The Local Lens series reinforces the Sundance Institute’s roots in Utah, a relationship dating back to the organization’s founding by Robert Redford in 1981. Unlike the primary festival, which attracts a global industry audience, these screenings are specifically curated for the local community.
By providing free access, the Institute maintains its mission to foster independent storytelling within its home region. The program is supported by regional stakeholders, including the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) program, and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office, ensuring that these high-profile independent works remain accessible to the public outside of the traditional winter festival window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the screenings truly free?
Yes, the Sundance Institute confirms that all tickets for the Local Lens series are free of charge, though they must be reserved in advance due to limited seating.
Can I meet the filmmakers?
Yes, the program includes scheduled Q&A sessions with directors, including Adam Meeks, Liz Sargent, Abby Ellis, and William David Caballero, following their respective film screenings.
What is the selection criteria for these films?
The films were selected from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival program, specifically highlighting award-winning projects that resonate with themes of community, resilience, and environmental impact.