As of 2010, the Sundance Film Festival showcases 11 different types of films. The six competitive categories include the U.S. Dramatic Competition, U.S. Documentary Competition, World Cinema Dramatic Competition, World Cinema Documentary Competition and Shorts Competition. The six non-competitive categories include Spotlight, Next, Park City at Midnight, New Frontier Features, Premiers and From the Collection. Once a film is approved to be viewed at Sundance, the Programming Team determines if the film qualifies for one of the competitive categories. Take note, the list of accepted film categories can change annually.
Determine if your film is a feature-length or a short film. Shorts have a final running time less than 50 minutes, including the ending credits. Films are not eligible for this festival if they have been previously screened to the general public where tickets were sold; however, if a film was screened to raise funds to complete the work, Sundance will still accept it as long as the final cut is significantly different than the screened version.
All films must be submitted on a standard DVD-R/DVD+R disc or through the Sundance Festival website (Withoutabox.com Secure Online Screener System). To complete the submission process you must fill out the online application available at www.sundance.org and include the appropriate entry fee. As of 2010, the early submission entrance fee is $35 for short films and $45 for features and documentaries. The official entry fee is $50 for shorts and $75 for features and documentaries, while the late entry fee is $75 for shorts and $100 for features and documentaries. The submission deadlines vary from year to year, so check the Sundance Film Festival submission deadline for the current deadline calendar.
Films accepted into one of the five competitive categories are eligible for awards given by the Sundance Film Festival Juries. Awards are given to international and local filmmakers, directors, cinematographers, screenwriters and actors for a total of 29 awards. As of 2010, the festival award categories include the Grand Jury Prize (top award), World Cinema Jury Prize, Documentary and Dramatic Feature Audience Awards, Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, Jury Prize in Short Filmmaking, and many more.
Tickets are mandatory if you want to attend the Sundance Film Festival, which takes place every January in Park City, Utah. Tickets are sold in packages or individually. Festival packages are best for patrons wishing to see many films and attend all workshops offered throughout the festival without having to worry about buying individual tickets. Special pass packages are also available for industry professionals, film school students and corporate groups. As of 2010, package prices range from $325 to $3,000. Individual tickets for screenings and workshops are available at any main box office location and can be purchased in advance or immediately before a screening. As of 2010, individual tickets are $15 each. The Sundance Film Festival suggests all patrons register for individual tickets, ticket packages or Advance Tickets online prior to arriving.