Protest at Sundance Film Festival

A brief protest occurred at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday night, lasting roughly 10 minutes as around 100 individuals gathered in Park City to express their disapproval of ICE actions in Minnesota.

This small demonstration gained traction, with well-known figures like Edward Norton and Olivia Wilde involved. The rally featured a poignant message: “Turn on your phone’s light for a minute or two.”

Event “Sundancer’s Melt Ice”

Actress Natasha Lyonne shared a flyer for an event titled “Sundancer’s Melt Ice.” It called for participants to remember Alex Preti and Renee Good, encouraging a collective, silent protest. Preti was tragically shot by federal agents, and Good lost her life during an encounter with ICE agents.

“Please turn on your phone’s light for a minute or two,” the flyer stated. “Quietly, respectfully, together.”

Chants and Support

During the event, demonstrators chanted, “Love melts the ice!” Notably, actor Elijah Wood showed his support, stating, “People being shot illegally in Minnesota, that’s terrible.” He emphasized the shared purpose of the festival: “We come to this film festival to bring people together… We are united.”

Historical Context

Film festivals often see social activism. For instance, in 2024, demonstrators protested for Palestine, while the Women’s March on Main in Park City attracted thousands immediately after President Trump’s inauguration in 2017.