The Sundance Film Festival was gearing up for an formidable hybrid occasion later this month, however these plans at the moment are squashed because of the Omicron COVID-19 surge. Sundance is as an alternative planning for a very digital occasion beginning on January twentieth, together with a handful of screenings in native markets. While disappointing, the pageant’s funding in a greater digital platform final yr places it in a greater place than different main occasions. (Looking at you, CES.) And after all, you will nonetheless be capable of take a look at the Sundance New Frontiers experiences in VR. Based on our expertise final yr, it will be effectively price it.

“While it is a deep loss to not have the in-person experience in Utah, we do not believe it is safe nor feasible to gather thousands of artists, audiences, employees, volunteers, and partners from around the world, for an eleven-day festival while overwhelmed communities are already struggling to provide essential services,” Sundance Film Festival director Tabitha Jackson wrote in an e-mail to attendees.