PARK CITY, Utah – As the community prepares for the final iteration of the Sundance Film Festival, a notable absence has emerged: the historic Egyptian Theatre will not be hosting any film screenings this year. This decision has left many in the Park City area surprised and disappointed, as the theater has played a pivotal role in the festival since its inception in 1981. The Egyptian Theatre is often synonymous with the Sundance brand; it has been featured in countless promotional images and is a cultural landmark in the region. Rhonda Sideris, president of Park City Lodging, expressed her dismay upon discovering the theater’s exclusion from this year's festival slate. "Right away, actually, in one of our board meetings, I reached out to one of the programmers and said, 'What the heck?'" Sideris remarked, emphasizing the theater's iconic status during the festival. "This is Sundance; it's the Egyptian Theatre. Every single picture that you see of Sundance is a picture of the marquee." The theater's involvement in Sundance has been significant, hosting numerous screenings and events since the festival was relocated to Park City over four decades ago. However, this year, the Egyptian Theatre will pivot its focus away from film to concentrate on live performances, panel discussions, and tributes to Robert Redford, the festival's founder. Theater director Randy Barton elaborated on this strategic shift, stating, "We are not a film organization, and when we talked to Sundance about their leaving, we made the decision together to remove everything that makes a movie theater a movie theater, projection and sound and the lighting and the equipment." Despite the theater's change in direction, the decision has not come without backlash. Maclane Vipond, the marketing manager for the Egyptian Theatre, noted that they received multiple inquiries from the community expressing disappointment about the absence of film screenings. "We definitely had a few people calling in and asking why we're not doing it, and bummed out that we're not offering it, since we've been part of Sundance since its inception," Vipond shared. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among local businesses and residents about the potential economic and cultural impact of the theater's absence from the festival. Some community members are worried that the lack of events at the Egyptian Theatre could detract from the overall vibrancy of the festival this year. Sideris voiced her concern about the implications for Main Street, a hub for both festival-goers and locals. "Without having the Egyptian Theatre being involved in Sundance, I'm afraid that upper Main Street is really going to suffer, and there's nothing happening on Main Street this year," she said, highlighting the interconnectedness of the festival with local commerce and community spirit. While the Egyptian Theatre may not be hosting film screenings, Randy Barton assured that the venue will still play a significant role in the festival's narrative. "Their goal is to focus on panels, live performances, and Robert Redford tributes instead," he explained, indicating a broader vision for the theater's contributions to the cultural landscape during the festival. The theater will continue to offer performances that align with its identity, focusing on live entertainment rather than film. Looking ahead, the Egyptian Theatre is not overly concerned about the impact of losing film screenings on its revenue. Vipond expressed optimism about the future, suggesting that the theater will adapt to the changing dynamics in Park City. "I kind of expect that to be the theme going forward, where we'll just have people in town for skiing, and when they're kind of tired of skiing or they don't have the right conditions, they can come see a show," he stated. This adaptability reflects a willingness to embrace new opportunities while maintaining the theater's legacy as a cherished venue in the community. The final Sundance Film Festival is set to begin on January 22, and while the Egyptian Theatre may be charting a new course, its historical significance and connection to the festival will remain a topic of discussion among locals and visitors alike. As Park City prepares for this momentous event, the absence of the Egyptian Theatre will undoubtedly be felt, but the theater's commitment to live performances may also provide a unique experience that aligns with the festival's evolving landscape. The final chapter of Sundance in Park City may be different than in years past, but it will still be a time of celebration, reflection, and community engagement as the festival bids farewell to a beloved tradition.