The Slamdance Film Festival, traditionally hosted in Park City, Utah since its inception in 1995, is making a significant transition. In a move that addresses the indie filmmaking community’s concerns about affordability, the 2025 festival is relocating to Los Angeles. This new chapter for Slamdance not only promises to lower financial barriers with introductory passes starting at $50 and many public events for free but also aims to leverage the city’s stature as the heart of the film industry. Strategically set in notable venues such as the Landmark Theatres and the DGA Theater Complex, the festival is poised to offer a fresh and accessible experience.
The move has gathered support from key figures in the industry, including Joe and Anthony Russo, who attribute the beginnings of their successful journey to Slamdance. Their studio AGBO will join Panasonic LUMIX and others as industry partners endorsing the festival’s growth. Meanwhile, the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, has welcomed the festival, highlighting the city’s enduring role in nurturing independent storytelling and creativity. Slamdance’s relocation heralds a new era for the festival, one that aims to foster connections, spark creativity, and to expand job opportunities within the local community.
