Sundance 2026: The Last Dance in Park City. The First for Dance to the Beat (Part ONE)

On Thursday, January 22nd 2026, Priscilla and I headed to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival.

We arrived with schedules packed to the minute, screenshots of invites saved on our phones, and about five layers of thermals each. What we didn’t expect was just how chaotic, magical, and alive those few days would feel.

This year’s theme, “The Last Dance,” marked Sundance’s final chapter in Park City. You could feel it everywhere. The town buzzed. Screenings overlapped. Panels stacked on top of mixers. Conversations spilled onto sidewalks. Every bus was full of filmmakers, volunteers, and dreamers trying to get to the next thing.

There was always somewhere to be. Always something happening. Always something you were missing.

Half the time we split up just to cover more ground.

“You take that screening.”

“I’ll hit the panel.”

“Meet back here in an hour?”

It felt like creative survival mode, in the best way.

Layered up and ready to take on Sundance

Showing Up for Dance to the Beat

Instead of just attending the festival, we decided to show up for Dance to the Beat everywhere we went.

We wore our merch every day. Hoodies. Sweatshirts. QR codes ready to scan.

It ended up being the best networking strategy we could’ve asked for.

People stopped us constantly.

“What’s Dance to the Beat?”

“Is that your film?”

“Can I scan that?”

Sometimes we didn’t even wait. We’d walk right up and introduce ourselves.

Coffee lines became pitch sessions.

Bus rides became conversations.

Sidewalks became mini‑meetings.

Our walking billboard and favorite icebreaker.

What a ride…literally & Celebrity Sightings (Gladys POV)

One of my favorite moments happened on a bus.

Two Sundance volunteers noticed my sweatshirt, asked about the project, and scanned the QR code before hopping off.

An hour later, I ran into them again at an event.

They smiled and said, “We pledged!”

Complete strangers who believed in our story enough to donate.

That moment stayed with me all week. Sometimes all you have to do is invite people in.

And on another day, while riding one of those packed festival buses to Main Street, I was interviewed by a reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune and was asked about how it felt for this to be the last festival in Park City and what I would miss most about the city. In the middle of all the movement and momentum, it felt like a surreal pause. It gave me a moment to reflect on what Sundance has meant to independent film and what it means for filmmakers like me who are building something of our own (Click HERE to watch video)

An Impromptu Interview with Salt Lake Tribune Reporter Trevor Christensen

                                                                                

Even with a packed schedule, I made time to watch Ha Chan: Shake Your Booty during the festival. The film follows a woman immersed in Tokyo’s competitive ballroom dance scene, navigating love and renewal through movement. Watching a dance centered story receive a standing ovation was powerful. It reminded me that audiences connect deeply to stories told through rhythm, vulnerability, and physical expression.

Q & A with cast and crew after the Han-Chan: Shake Your Booty Premiere at the Ray Theater in Park City

Because Sundance is wild in the best way, magic kept popping up when I least expected it.

One of those surreal moments happened when I attended an event at The Elvis Mitchell Suite. Journalist and cultural curator Elvis Mitchell was in conversation with filmmaker Ryan Coogler, talking about his work and his film Sinners.

Sitting there, listening to that conversation; hearing him speak about craft, storytelling, and purpose, felt unreal.

Ryan Coogler.

In the same room.

Talking so openly about the work.

It was one of those quiet, full-circle moments where you pause and think, This is why I’m here.

Not just to hustle or network but to learn, to be inspired, to witness artists at the top of their game and imagine what’s possible for yourself.

Ryan Coogler and Elvis Mitchell in Conversation at The Cabin on Main Street, Park City

Throughout the week, I crossed paths with artists I deeply admire. I had a brief interaction with Ava DuVernay, who, as she was being quickly whisked away, paused just long enough to compliment my glasses(lol). I also had a quick moment to congratulate Tessa Thompson on her Netflix limited series His&Hers. Small exchanges, but memorable ones.

Ava Duverney, Kimberlé Crenshaw & Tessa Thompson At The Story of Us - New McCarthyism Event

Another meaningful moment came at the Bay Area Film Night Mixer (and Oh what a MIXER it was - a special shout out to Jamal Trulove), I had a brief exchange with W. Kamau Bell, whose documentary work includes United Shades of America and We Need to Talk About Cosby. Connecting with him reminded me why this kind of storytelling matters. Seeing documentary filmmakers move through these spaces with intention felt affirming.

 Priscilla & I at the Bay Area Film Night Mixer with Kamau Bell & Jamal Trulove

I also had the pleasure of meeting director Christine Swanson at the Acura Lounge during a panel. Christine is a prolific director whose work includes Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, For the Love of Ruth, and Albany Road. Other notable projects include television shows such as  Chicago P.D., FBI, P-Valley,  All American, Bel-Air, and Roswell, New Mexico. Being able to briefly connect with a director who has consistently told layered, character driven stories across film and television felt grounding and inspiring. Moments like that remind me that longevity in this industry is built on vision, persistence, and craft.

                                Christine Swanson & I at the Acura Lounge in Park City

But Sundance was not done with its surprises…..

To Be Continued.....