SAG-AFTRA Partners with ‘IndieWire’ at Kickoff Event, Honors the Indie Film Community at Sundance 2024

SAG-AFTRA and independent union affiliate SAGindie returned to the Sundance Film Festival with a series of events for its opening weekend. 

The festival kicked off with IndieWire’s annual chili party on Jan. 21, co-sponsored by SAG-AFTRA and the South Asian-centric nonprofit 1497. The event was attended by noted and emerging filmmakers, and industry veterans and insiders. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland’s opening remarks during the event gave special recognition to the independent filmmaking community and its support during the union’s negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and during the 118-day work stoppage in 2023. 

“During our strike against the AMPTP, Interim Agreements were an important part of our strategy, and the indie community came out in full force. You kept casts and crews employed while the rest of the industry was shut down; you helped thousands of entertainment industry workers to pay their rent and provide for their families; and you made great art.

“There’s a reason that independent films are what SAG-AFTRA members continue to love to work on at all stages of their careers. This world is where some of the most thoughtful, subversive and exciting work is created. To all of you indie filmmakers, know that your vision inspires our members and all of us are rooting for you and your projects here at Sundance, around the world, and in the years ahead,” said Crabtree-Ireland.

Crabtree-Ireland also attended a dinner hosted by IMDb, Entertainment Weekly and the advocacy nonprofit Women In Film in celebration of women filmmakers on Jan. 22. 

SAGindie, which has had a longtime presence at Sundance, also hosted its two annual events. The 27th Annual Actors Only Brunch took place on Jan. 21 with hosts Melissa Barrera (Your Monster), Jay Ellis (Freaky Tales), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Exhibiting Forgiveness), River Gallo (Ponyboi), Theo Germaine (Desire Lines), Katy O’Brian (Love Lies Bleeding), Maddie Ziegler (My Old Ass) and Jena Malone (Little Death). 

SAGindie’s 27th Annual Filmmakers Reception on Jan. 22 was attended by Poppy Hanks (Freaky Tales), Alex Thompson and Kelly O'Sullivan (Ghostlight), Nathan Silver (Between the Temples) and David and Nathan Zellner (Sasquatch Sunset), among others.

SAGindie was also a sponsor of Latinx House and a supporter of the Sundance Native Program an initiative designed to bolster Indigenous-created stories on a global scale.

Since being established in 1985 by the Sundance Institute, the annual Sundance Film Festival has provided access to screenings of upcoming dramatic and documentary features, short films and episodic content. Additionally, its schedule of daily filmmaker conversations, panel discussions and many other events centering on the film industry has made it popular among professionals within the industry, including SAG-AFTRA performers.