Tucson Theater Will Host Sundance Film Festival Screenings

TUCSON, AZ — A little piece of Hollywood is coming to Tucson starting Thursday.

The Sundance Film Festival has chosen Tucson's The Loft Cinema to be one of its 'satellite screen' partners for the illustrious event, with the annual gathering in Park City, Utah out of reach this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Loft will screen several films and host several live, in-person screenings outdoors. It was the only Arizona theater chosen for the partnership.

“Of course, the pandemic year demanded adaptation,” Keri Putnam, Sundance Institute’s Executive Director, said in a prepared statement. “On a deeper level, we also recognize the urgency of supporting independent storytellers at a time of great upheaval in the film and media fields. We’re proud this edition of the Festival is fiercely independent, and will reach people everywhere, celebrating both the theatrical experience at our Satellite Screens and streaming on our platform.”

Approximately 71 feature films, 50 short films and several other creative projects will debut on satellite screens across the U.S.

In addition to screenings, The Loft will also host several “Beyond Film” virtual discussions to go along with films being presented, including a virtual panel discussion called “The Impact and Legacy of Rita Moreno.” A documentary about the actress, called "Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided To Go For It," will play during the festival.

Other titles include "Son of Monarchs", "Bring Your Own Brigade", "Jockey", "Judas and the Black Messiah" and "At the Ready."

Tickets and scheduling information can be found on The Loft's website.

The festival supports the Sundance Institute, which was founded in 1981 by actor Robert Redford. The nonprofit is a champion for independent stories and voices, which festival director Tabitha Jackson said was key this year.

"For thousands of years humans have gathered to tell stories and make meaning," she said in a statement. "In this pandemic year, we gather to celebrate a constellation of artists with unique perspectives that express this current moment and who together are saying, ‘We exist. This is who we are. And this is what we see.’”

The festival begins Thursday and runs until Feb. 3.