Ever dreamed of having dinner with a Sundance film director? The Sundance Institute is making that possible through their 10th annual An Artist at the Table benefit event.
Sundance events manager Josie McGuinn says that An Artist At The Table has been a successful fundraising event for the Sundance Institute for a decade. This year’s 10th anniversary will be Thursday, January 24th.
“It’s our 10th year and we’re celebrating.” McGuinn explained, “All of the funds that are raised through this support independent artists. They go to grants, mentorships, and critical resources that help bring their stories to life.”
The evening starts with a premiere of a film.
“5:30 screening at Eccles.” McGuinn said, “It is a world premiere of “After the Wedding”. It’s a mesmerizing re-telling of Susan Bier’s Academy Award Nominated Danish film. The electrifying cast will showcase a mysterious unraveling of events ignited by an invitation to a wedding.”
After the premiere the attendees will travel to the Utah Film Studios for dinner.
“The space will accommodate upwards of 500 guests this year if not more.” McGuinn continued, “Our tickets are selling fast, tables are selling fast as well. There’s a lot of energy and excitement around the event. We’ll have over 50 artists at the event this year. It’ll be a seated dinner and a program that is all centered around artists.”
Director and event chair Amy Redford previews some of the artists who will be attending.
“Among some of the people that are coming are Glenn Close, Ava DuVernay, Yance Ford, Jon Hamm, Lisa Cronin, Billy Luther.” Redford explained, “It’s great because the films have just been announced. Now we’re being able to reach out to people officially and invite them to come participate. You can really get a sense of how much having their films into the festival means to them. It’s always such an uphill battle. It takes so much tenacity to get your film completed and then to have it get to the festival is really a life changing event. You can actually feel it when you’re sitting next to them at that moment.”
Individual tickets start at $1,250 with the highest level, the Director’s Table going for $25,000. McGuinn says you can find more information about the event online.
“Go onto the Sundance Institute website and to benefit events.” McGuinn said, “You can purchase online, learn about all the different ticket and table package options. Or you can reach out directly to me at Sundance.”
