Pro-Palestine Group to March on Sundance

Pro-Palestininan supporters will march through the center of the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.

While details have not been widely publicized, organizers behind “Let Gaza Live” have asked participants to gather for a demonstration on Sunday regarding the Israel-Hamas war on Main Street in Park City, Utah.

Protesters will arrive via bus and march between 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., according to three sources. The event is not affiliated with Sundance, which has taken over the luxury hamlet of Park City for the past 40 years.

“Park City is home to the largest indie film fest in the U.S.; tens of thousands travel across the globe to attend the event. While we do not take issue with Sundance as a whole, we aim to let spectators [and] news reporters know that Utah stands with Palestine,” organizers wrote on Instagram.

While spokespeople for the Sundance Film Festival had no comment on the matter, individuals familiar with the annual event said they expected attendees, sponsors and citizens to provide a respectful and nonviolent atmosphere. 

The Park City Police Department will provide security on the ground. Additionally, the pro-Palestinian group will be escorted by a Utah organization called Armed Queers of Salt Lake City. Reached via social media, the group confirmed its planned attendance to the march and said it was “committed to protecting Palestinian organizers in the struggle against zionism.” 

News of the march trickled out on festival grounds on Friday. It follows the release of an open letter urging the many stars and prominent filmmakers attending the festival to use their platforms to urge a ceasefire in the war.

“We are aware that one day our community will create and champion films documenting this horrific genocide, yet many stay silent now, while we still have the chance to save lives. Our industry cannot continue with business as usual,” said a letter from a group identifying as Film Workers for Palestine.

The letter was signed by many recognizable names including Susan Sarandon, Mira Nair, Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, John Cusak and fired “Scream” star Melissa Barrera.