The biggest gathering of independent filmmakers gathered in Park City, Utah for the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. This year over 70, 000 people including filmmakers, celebrities, audience members and critics gathered to see the best in independent film including Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Chelsea Handler and Common. Check the roundup of the hottest people, places and parties at this year’s Sundance.
By: Aphua Larbi‐Amoah
An Artist At The Table
Sundance Film Festival’s ‘An Artist at the Table’ benefit officially kicked off the Festival in Park City. The evening began at the Eccles Theater for the premiere of Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Sequel’, the follow‐up to watershed environmental documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’. Following the screening, the celebratory event continued at the DeJoria Center with a cocktail reception and seated dinner, with entertainment from Kenny Loggins, a multi‐course gourmet meal from the James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour and a celebrated Sundance Institute artist at each table. Photo Credit: Brandon Cruz & Kelly Taub
The Retreat by Autograph Collection Hotels
Aisha Tyler hosted the Sundance Institute’s “Power Women’s Cocktail” at Autograph Collection Hotels’ & The Black List’s The Retreat. The event celebrated women filmmakers, innovators and executives at the festival. She spoke about the women’s march she co‐led earlier that morning with Chelsea Handler and Charlize Theron, and encouraged the women in the room to not give up when the door closes on you, and to “kick that shit down” and celebrate your individuality. Other sightings at Autograph Collection’s & The Black List’s The Retreat included Maria Bello, Shawn Christensen and Margarita Levieva.
TAO Park City Presented by Tequila Don Julio
The annual late night 3‐day pop up, TAO Park City Presented by Tequila Don Julio, kicked off opening night at its new location, The Yard. The snowy weather did not stop guests from enjoying the exclusive nightclub experience where Diplo made a special appearance on stage during DJ sets by Vice and Equal along with DJ sets by Ruckus where Lil Jon took the stage to perform. Other celebs in attendance included John Legend, Chelsea Handler, Mary J. Blige, Anthony Hamilton, Nick Cannon, Christina Milan and a surprise performance by Common. Photo Credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery
Stella Artois Filmmaker Lounge
Stella Artois kicked off Sundance with exciting events at the Stella Artois Filmmaker Lounge including a hosted dinner for the cast of upcoming film ‘Novitiate’ starring Dianna Argon who was present along with other cast and crew. Stella Artois also celebrated the premiere of the film ‘Ingrid Goes West’, where the film’s star Aubrey Plaza was in attendance along with other cast and crew including O’Shea Jackson Jr. The movie ‘Mudbound’ was also celebrated with Mary J. Blige, Rob Morgan, Jason Mitchell along with the film’s director Dee Rees in attendance. Photo Credit: Rick Kern, Getty Images
ChefDance
The most exclusive dinner series, ChefDance returned for its14th year of culinary celebration, bringing the country’s finest chefs like Brian Malarkey and Shawn McClain together with the festival’s hottest actors for nightly dinners paired with specialty cocktails. Providing the perfect marriage of fine food and film, each evening a world‐renowned celebrity chef created a gourmet menu for a diverse group of guests including cast and crews of the festival’s top films who braved the winter chill thanks to beanies provided by American Made Supply Co. Celebs in attendance included Keanu Reeves and Brody Jenner. Photo Credit: Tiffany Rose & Jordan Kartchner
The Vulture Sundance Spot at Rock & Reilly’s
The Vulture Sundance Spot at Rock & Reilly’s was a hotspot at Sundance this year where John Legend, Mary J. Blige and Rashida Jones all stopped by to sign the famous wall. Hot off the trails of the Women’s March in Park City, Chelsea Handler and Charlize Theron stopped by to discuss women’s rights and BMW & Golf Digest Studios hosted the “The Getaway” Premiere Party with Kate Upton and Justin Verlander. Other celebs in attendance included Brittany Snow, Kevin Bacon and Jon Hamm, who attended the “Person to Person” after party hosted by J.Crew, Vulture, and New York Magazine at the same location. Photo Credit: Michael Jacobson
WGN America ‘Underground’ Party
WGN America celebrated the second season of its hotly anticipated Underground Railroad thriller “Underground,” the most buzzed about television series at Sundance. The exclusive event at the Riverhorse on Main followed the series’ “Clips and Conversation” screening and panel where the cast and creative team spoke about the critically acclaimed series, which has struck a chord with viewers with relevant themes about race, class and freedom. The cast and celebs in attendance included John Legend, Jurnee
Smollett‐Bell, Aldis Hodge, Joshua Jackson and Andra Day. The highly anticipated second season premieres March 8, 2017 at 10:00p. ET/PT on WGN America.
Debbie Durkin’s EcoLuxe Lounge
Celebs like Christina Milan, Jason Ritter, Kaycee Stroh and Gretchen Rossi attended Debbie Durkin’s 10th Annual EcoLuxe Lounge at The Blue Iguana. Gretchen also hosted the Choices Recovery Media Center in the same location, where she interviewed film festival attendees and notables about the growing problem of addiction in the US. Featured indie music artists performed live inside The EcoLuxe Lounge’s bar, where fundraising efforts benefited charity partner, Shriners For Children Medical Center’s Hospital. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed American homey–comfort foods prepared by Executive Chef Dean Hottle and cocktails from Tito’s Vodka gluten‐free vodka bar. VIPs were styled in CMFR Canada, extreme winter, high‐fashion coats, while Whole Health Medical Group, offered hangover, altitude, and anti‐aging IVs for at their “Wellness Detox Spa”. Guests were also treated to Chariot Travelware’s luggage. Photo Credit: Vivien + Paul Best from Getty Images
Dream Hollywood x NYLON Apres Ski Party
Celebs including Harley Quinn Smith, Jaime King, Jay Sean, Becca Tilley, Major Lazer’s Jillionaire and more hit the Nylon x Dream Hollywood 4th annual Aprés Ski party. This year’s bash celebrated the highly‐anticipated opening of Dream Hotels’ flagship West Coast location, Dream Hollywood, set to debut in March, as well as the debut of NYLON Studios. The coveted soiree was held at Park City hotspot, Church Public House and welcomed tastemakers and VIP’s from the festival throughout the event. Teaming up this year was Gen Art, which re‐launched its new Fresh Faces in Film program at the event, showcasing the best of emerging creators and talent. Photo Credit: Joe Scarnicifor Getty
AT&T at The Lift
DIRECTV in the Cabin was transformed into a football enthusiast’s paradise complete with tailgating favorites – big screens, beer and munchies. Stars like Adam Pally, Zosia Mamet and Arturo Castro were there to catch the various football games. Also, there was Jeff Vespa’s WireImage Studio which had notable celebrities such as Mary J. Blige, Danny Glover, America Ferrera, Haley Lu Richardson and Michelle Forbes. Photo Credit: Getty Images for AT&T
The Rand Luxury Lounge
RAND Luxury partnered with The St. Regis ‐ Deer Valley and hosted exclusive receptions and cocktail parties during Sundance. Talent and VIPs were transported to the event by the official automotive sponsor, Porsche. While guests enjoyed cocktails, they learned about 360FLY, the cameras that misses nothing. J Mendel was also on hand to pre‐dress celebrities and share their latest collections. Guests in attendance included Brittany Snow, Tye Sheridan, Alison Tolamn and many more
Bleacher Report Madden Challenge
Bleacher Report had a Madden Challenge at the WME Lounge during Sundance, hosted by Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson, where guests had a chance to play against the NFL legend.
YouTube House at Sundance
YouTube returned as the official sponsor of the Shorts Program for the 5th consecutive year. YouTube expanded its presence anchored by the first YouTube red original film to premiere at the festival as an official selection, ‘This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous’. The YouTube House featured activations, VR panels and demos with a music showcase by Nick Cannon who DJ’d and a live performance by Kehlani. Photo Credit: Tony Rysk for YouTube
Indie Lounge
Power & Industry’s #IndieLounge was filled with celebs and some of the hottest hip-hop, EDM and indie acts on stage. VIPs such as Eva La Rue, John Singleton, Curtiss Cook, Caitlin O’ Conner, Gretchen Rossi and others enjoyed overflowing libations courtesy of ABK 1308 craft beer, Bogarts vodka and Leadslingers Whiskey. Each also walked away donning Olympia backpacks packed with gifts such as Donna Bella Snake Venom for anti-aging and silky smooth skin, Maria Shireen hair tie bracelets, Pinner Test mail-in blood testing for food intolerance, Nomadic State of Mind vegan sandals and Mai Couture makeup for quick and easy on-the-go touch ups. Guests also received Getty Image Artist Project portraits by celebrity photographer Michael Bezjian.
Wanderluxxe & SAG Indie Burning Sands Premiere Party
Wanderluxxe and SAG Indie hosted a private film premiere party for “Burning Sands” at the Wanderluxxe house in Park City. Guests were treated to a performance by Common and Casamigos cocktails. Other celebs in attendance included Alfre Woodard, Serayah and Nefessa Woodward. Photo Credit: Michael Bezjian/Getty
