This year's Sundance wrapped  up in Park City, Utah but the festival must have felt like a completely new experience.

The event's atmosphere was charged with emotion.  People talked a lot about the recent wildfires in south California,  and there were remnants of fire everywhere.  A few films tackled themes of community building after loss.  One of this year’s films “Rebuilding”  brought these issues to the screen.  The movie highlights  a cowboy trying to start over after losing everything in a wildfire.  Dozens of other films touched on themes related to the fires.

Park City  may soon be a thing of the past for Sundance.  The city that has hosted the festival for decades will soon see the show it's known and loved move on to a new location.  Sundance leadership have three cities in the running as the next home base, Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, and Boulder.  There is already much speculation and concern about the festival moving.  Many people are sad that it won't be close anymore.  Maybe this year’s Sundance gave the feeling that something special is near its end. Which city the festival will make its new home is a mystery.

An actor, and  board member for the Sundance Institute, Tessa Thompson looked at the bright side. She pointed out that it’s the spirit of the festival  that matters. The place, she noted, is more of a detail.

Attendees were curious about the politics this year.  The big discussions, though, were quiet.  The festival focused on topical issues, especially transgender rights and issues happening in Ukraine.  Some films shined a spotlight on these subjects.

While  moviemakers were generally content with how things went at this year’s Sundance, a few grittier folks  aren’t so sure.  Some felt the market was tougher than usual — then again,  lots of deals are still in the works.  Those will be finalized soon.

One of the festival's buzziest films, the poignant “Sorry, Baby, ” provides a nuanced portrait of a woman grappling with the aftermath of an assault.  Another standout was “Twinless, ” which earned multiple recognitions and touched on themes of twin bereavement.

The festival also offered some unexpected surprises.  “Atropia”  was a clear audience favorite,  and who knows?  Who can say what the future holds for films like these?

 Despite the challenges faced by the people involved in making these films happen they managed to create some incredible work.  This year, Sundance  celebrated how films can bring people together to  make a difference. They raised awareness  about a lot of important topics.

So, while the big event in Park City may be coming to an end, there are new chapters to explore.  And as the festival proved, there’s always something new and exciting waiting just around the corner.

Wildfires and Big Moves! SundanceThrough Uncertainty and Packs Exciting Films

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