Welcome to Utah! At Sundance Film Festival 2025, every story line should include taking care of your health. For the ninth consecutive year, University of Utah Health is proud to serve as the festival’s Official Health & Wellness Partner. From January 23-February 2, we extend our community to include the 100,000+ artists, creatives, industry insiders, and film lovers from around the globe, as well as the thousands of staff and volunteers who work so hard to make the magic happen.
So how do we promote health and wellness at Sundance? We train staff and volunteers on de-escalation and provide health and wellness tips for our dry, high-altitude, winter climate, and provide professional counseling services throughout the festival. We foster conversations with partners like Canon and Huntsman Mental Health Institute. And we extend health care services to anyone while they're in Utah, with five hospitals, 12 community health centers, and hundreds more facilities all supported by 24,000 staff and students.
Staff & Volunteer Resources
Emergency Guide
Urgent care, virtual visit, or emergency room? Know when to go with this at-a-glance guide.
Incident Report Form
Safety is paramount at Sundance Film Festival. Report any incidents involving security, safety, injuries, or Community Agreement violations.
Stop the Bleed
Want to save a life and raise the chances of survival after an injury? Follow these simple A-B-Cs.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Anyone can call, chat, or text 988 at any time—confidential, no-cost, and available 24/7/365.
Utah Warm Line
Call 801-587-1055 for community intervention, crisis diversion, and emotional support services.
Whole-Person Health
Nutrition, movement, sleep, connection, meaning, and purpose all contribute to overall well-being.
Festival Wellness Tips
Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy as you navigate through snowy streets, busy schedules, and late nights. Enjoy the festival!
Physical Wellness
1. And... action! While the movies will move your soul, you’re responsible for your body. Stay active between movie premieres. Do some stretching. Walk from one theatre to the next to get your blood flowing—your body will give you a standing ovation.
2. Drink it all in. You’re at 7,000 feet of altitude, so it’s smart to stay hydrated. Start the day with a glass of water—and then drink another 8 to 10 cups throughout the day.
3. Remember, you don’t have a stunt double. Take care while walking on icy sidewalks and when crossing the street. Leave the falls to the pros.
4. You are your best wardrobe department. Wear layers to adjust to indoor and outdoor spaces. And don’t forget winter-sensible footwear to navigate the ice and snow.
Emotional Wellness
1. Applaud the artists. Take a moment to thank the artists who shared their creativity this week, along with the crews who make Sundance Film Festival an amazing experience.
2. Utah: no CGI needed. Connect with Utah’s great nature. Take a snowshoe hike. Admire the views. Catch a snowflake. Breathe in that fresh mountain air.
3. Give yourself time to dream. Late nights are hard to avoid at Sundance Film Festival. But a solid night of sleep is still important—seven to eight hours if you can.
4. No second takes: these moments only happen once. Actively participate in mindful moments. Before entering a crowded theater or restaurant, engage with your senses and environment to commit to your experience. Savor your food, company, and conversations.
Social Wellness
1. Go off script. It’s easy for all of us to lose sight of attentive listening. When speaking with old friends and new colleagues, ask open-ended questions and engage in conversation. The best moments happen that way.
2. Curiosity makes a great story line. When standing in line, take the bold step of striking up a conversation with someone new. It’s a fun way to make fresh connections and learn more about your fellow attendees.
3. Take 5. Or better yet, 10. Sundance Film Festival has a way of occupying your every waking hour. Take social breaks and me-time between parties and screenings. These breaks can keep you going all week long. Grabbing a cup of coffee or a healthy snack offers a mindful moment before diving into your next scene.
Mindfulness Exercises
Slow Down Racing Thoughts
How to Fight Burnout
Taking Authentic Action
Leaves on a Stream
Loving Kindness
Open Awareness
Self-Compassion
Awareness of Breath
Aimless Wandering
Gratitude
How to Fest Safely
Films can make us laugh, cry, experience the joy of surprise, and escape from our own reality. But movies impact each of us differently. Here's how to keep your mental health in mind as you enjoy Sundance Film Festival 2025.
Schedule of Events
Chair Massages for Staff & Volunteers
Sundance Film Festival 2025 is powered by the hard work of staff and volunteers. Massage therapists from the Osher Center of Integrative Health offer free 10-minute massages. Thursday-Sunday 1/23-26, 10AM-6PM, Park City Sheraton.
Canon Creative Studio Panel: Harmony on Set
Film crews don't always get along. Join industry professionals and mental health experts to discuss the importance of balancing professionalism, connection, and self-care while achieving harmony on set. Saturday 1/25, 3 PM @ 528 Main Street, Park City.
Filmmaker as Changemaker
The power to sway hearts and minds comes with a hefty responsibility. Stacie Smith from USC Annenberg convenes a panel of experts to discuss mental health in film. Monday 1/27, 4 PM @ Filmmaker Lodge, 550 Main St., Park City.