The Sundance Film Festival has canceled the in-person meet due to the rise in the COVID-19 cases spurred by the Omicron variant and decided to conduct it virtually.

“Despite the most ambitious protocols, the Omicron variant with its unexpectedly high transmissibility rates is pushing the limits of health safety, travel and other infrastructures across the country,” organisers announced on Wednesday and added, “The festival`s in-person Utah elements will be moving online this year. While we`re disappointed to not provide the full hybrid experience and gather in-person as intended, audiences this year will still experience the magic and energy of our festival.”

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The Sundance Institute said that it was difficult for them to take this decision. “As a nonprofit, our Sundance spirit is in making something work against the odds. But with case numbers forecasted to peak in our host community the week of the festival, we cannot knowingly put our staff and community at risk. The undue stress to Summit County`s health services and our more than 1,500 staff and volunteers would be irresponsible in this climate,” they said.

The organization assured that New films, extended reality (“XR”) programming, artists conversations and more content will all be accessible through virtual portals. The organization has also planned to implement all the COVID safety measures such as requiring booster shots as well as negative test results, plus banning food and drink at screenings.

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The organizers were hopeful that Sundance could proceed in person given that domestic movie theatres have not yet closed. However, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ continues to drive the public to the cineplex.

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Other events which were affected due to the new Omicron variant included the Grammy Awards, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the film academy`s annual Governors Awards, and the planned broadcast of the Critics Choice Awards.

Sundance held a virtual edition in 2021.