(UTV | COLOMBO) – In an abrupt about-face just weeks before it was scheduled to happen, this year’s Sundance Film Festival is scrapping its in-person event in Utah and is now pivoting to go entirely virtual due to the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
According to the press release, the organisers say they do not believe it is safe nor feasible to conduct such a gathering as overwhelmed communities are struggling to provide essential services in some places.
In addition, case numbers are apparently forecasted to peak in Utah’s Summit County around the time of the festival and so “we cannot knowingly put our staff and community at risk,” nor do they wish to put undue stress on the local health services.
The now virtual 2022 Sundance Film Festival is expected to start on January 20th.