For over 25 years, the Sundance Film Festival and its parent organization, the Sundance Institute, have forged a significant relationship with Park City High School, utilizing the Dolores Doré Eccles Center as a key venue since its inception in 1999. This unique partnership has not only provided students access to high-quality films but also facilitated a platform for dialogue with filmmakers, fostering a rich educational experience that has left a lasting impact on the community. The Eccles Center, which is closely linked to Park City High School, has been instrumental in hosting various student outreach programs during the festival. While the majority of Sundance activities target a broader audience, the festival has consistently prioritized initiatives aimed at high school students. This commitment manifests in opportunities for students to view both short and feature-length films, followed by interactive Q&A sessions with directors and industry professionals. The overarching goal of these programs is to expose students to new artistic perspectives and to demystify the filmmaking process. By inviting filmmakers to engage directly with students, Sundance aims to inspire the next generation to explore careers in the arts, whether in filmmaking or other creative fields. Kyle Fish, the film director at Park City High, has witnessed firsthand the transformative influence of these programs on his students. "Sundance has definitely had a strong influence on inspiring students in my program to see possibilities for themselves becoming filmmakers in the future," Fish noted. "Every year, I have students who go on to film school and beyond, many of whom are inspired by the Sundance program." Fish elaborated on the quality of the films and discussions provided through the partnership. He emphasized that Sundance holds itself to high standards, ensuring that the films shown are not only age-appropriate but also resonate with students' interests. "Sundance does an exceptional job of providing films that are relevant to student interests and high-quality," he remarked. This careful curation of content has made the program a staple in the educational fabric of Park City High School, enriching students’ understanding of cinematic art. The impact of Sundance extends beyond the individual student experience; it has also significantly contributed to the broader Park City community. Despite the occasional frustrations locals express regarding increased congestion during the festival, Fish believes that the cultural and artistic dialogue sparked by Sundance has enriched the community. "While a lot of locals are bothered by the increased congestion during Sundance, I do think it has had a positive influence on Park City as a community, raising interest in filmmaking as an art form," he stated. As the festival prepares to relocate its main events to Boulder, Colorado, Fish reflected on the implications of this shift for both the school and the community. The partnership between Sundance and Park City High School will also come to an end, marking a poignant loss for the institution. "I specifically will miss the Filmmakers in the Classroom program, which brings filmmakers directly to our school. We’re the only high school that gets that kind of access," Fish lamented. Sundance has always valued the insights shared by Park City High students, appreciating their thoughtful questions during filmmaker Q&As. Fish pointed out how filmmakers have often remarked on the depth and rawness of student inquiries, suggesting a high level of engagement with the material. "They’ve always said that our questions are the most insightful and raw, and that’s really encouraging because that means that the students are really engaging with it directly," Fish explained. Looking ahead, Sundance hopes to continue providing artistic resources and educational opportunities online, despite its geographical transition. Fish expressed gratitude for the festival's contributions to the local culture, noting that the stories shared by filmmakers about their creative journeys have profoundly resonated with students. "One of the most impactful things for my students is hearing filmmakers tell the stories behind their films, how their life experiences inspired their work. This connection enriches students' interactions with the films, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the art form." As the curtain closes on this chapter of collaboration between Sundance and Park City High, both entities leave behind a legacy of creativity and inspiration that will continue to influence aspiring filmmakers in the region. The enduring impact of this partnership serves as a reminder of the vital role that arts education plays in shaping future generations and fostering a vibrant community culture around filmmaking and the arts.