Sundance agrees to another two years in London

Robert Redford, Sundance Institute and AEG Europe have announced that following the success of the first-ever Sundance London film festival back in April, the event will return to the O2 for a further two years.

The second Sundance London in 2013 will take place from 25-28 April and will host the international and UK premieres of American independent films hand picked from the ‘original’ Sundance selection screening in the U.S., as well as live music performances, panels and events.

Earlier this year the festival screened 27 films including hits such as Jeff Orlowski’s Chasing Ice (to be released in the UK in December) and Shut Up And Play The Hits, which got a nationwide screening through the Picturehouse cinemas last month.

The 2013 programme will continue its 2012 focus on presenting new work by American filmmakers and music artists. The Sundance Institute will be responsible for the selection of the films.

Robert Redford, president & founder of Sundance Institute, said: “Sundance was warmly welcomed to London last year, by engaged and adventurous audiences eager to take a chance on independent film, and this makes a second year all the more exciting for us.”

“The vibrant arts community in London has informed this decision as much as anything,” continued Redford. “Seeing what comes of nurturing a broader global community for new voices and varied perspectives in American independent film and music, seems a worthy 21st Century endeavour.”

John Cooper, director of the Sundance Film Festival, said: “In addition to exposing European audiences to American film and music, we will continue connecting with the UK and European filmmaking community through workshops, panels and conversations designed to create a forum for identifying commonalities of independent filmmaking as well an exchange of best practices and new ideas.”

Passes and ticket packages for the 2013 event will go on general sale on 9 November, please check the Sundance London website for more info.