Sundance Film Festival Officials Aren't Worried About Effects of Economic Downturn

Jan 05, 2009 by KCPW

(KCPW News) Crowds of local residents lined up to get their Sundance Film Festival tickets over the weekend. Festival spokeswoman Brooks Addicott is optimistic about sales despite the economic downturn.

"We always fight this, oh, there is nothing available, and the reality is there are. There's so many screenings and so many locations, um, on the other side you know, it will be a challenge to see ... we just don't know what is going to happen this year, we really don't know. Certainly we feel that ticket sales are strong, and that is great, and hopefully we will see a lot of locals turn out and enjoy the festival that is in their backyard," Addicott said.

Addicott says special packages were offered to entice locals this year, and many tickets are still available for the 122 features and 96 shorts being screened. She says a good way to get tickets is by going to the theater before a screening and getting on the wait list.

And Addicott says in a way, the economic downturn may actually be a good thing for the festival.

"Our hope actually is that we will see less people coming to town who have no association with the festival, by that I mean, they are not seeing films, they are just there to sort of push their wares if you will, and we are hoping that the economy is sort of turning some of those people away," Addicott said.

Festival screenings will be held in Salt Lake City at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, The Tower Theater, and the Broadway Centre Cinemas from the 15th through the 25th. Tickets are available online or at Trolley Square.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW