Sundance 2025: AC Returns to Canon Creative Studio in Park City
Join our series of deep-dive discussions on cameras, lenses, on-set challenges and much more.
The editors of American Cinematographer will moderate a series of “Behind the Lens” filmmaker discussions starting this week at the Canon Creative Studio at Park City, Utah, open from Jan. 24-27 (11:00 am-5:00 pm).
The Canon Creative Studio is located at the Park City Museum at 528 Main St. and admission is free. Registration is done on-site and entry is limited to accredited filmmakers and photographers.
SCHEDULE
Focused on Lenses — Friday 1/24, 2:00 PM
The lenses you choose help to define the look and feel of your project, and how the audience will interpret the scene. This panel will feature an in-depth discussion of everything related to lenses, and how to best use them to convey your intentions for a scene. Joining moderator Jay Holben (technical editor of American Cinematographer) will be cinematographers Mohammad Reza Eyni (Cutting Through Rocks) and Sarah Whelden (Sweet Talkin’ Guy), to discuss their festival projects and how their lens choices shaped their films.
Spotlight: Selena y Los Dinos — Saturday 1/25, 12:00 PM
Selena Quintanilla, the "Queen of Tejano Music," and her family band, Selena y Los Dinos, rose from performing at quinceañeras to selling out stadium tours. Debuting at the festival, Selena y Los Dinos combines present-day interviews with archival home movies to weave a tale of a close-knit family devastated by tragedy. Director Isabel Castro, cinematographer Lorena Duran, and camera operator Cassandra Giraldo will join moderator Jay Holben to discuss the story, and their use of Canon EOS C500 Mark II cameras on the production.
Harmony on Set — Saturday 1/25, 3:00 PM
When you’re working freelance on a set, networking with your coworkers isn’t just a good idea — it may be how you land your next gig. But getting along with everyone isn’t always easy. Join moderator Amy Redford (member, Sundance Institute board of directors) and Megan Call, PhD (associate chief wellness officer and director of the Resiliency Center at University of Utah Health) for a discussion of how to balance professionalism, networking, and self-care to help achieve harmony on set.
Spotlight: Prime Minister — Sunday 1/26, 12:00 PM
What happens when your fiancée suddenly gets a job promotion and becomes the prime minister of a major nation? If you’re Clarke Gayford, you pick up a camera and start documenting everything! The documentary Prime Minister, premiering at the festival, captures the groundbreaking tenure of New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern with stunning intimacy and access. Clarke and cinematographer Leon Kirkbeck join moderator Jay Holben to discuss how they stealthily captured footage with the Canon EOS R5 C hybrid cinema camera.
Tapping Into Trauma — Sunday 1/26, 3:00 PM
Whether in a fictional narrative or a compelling documentary, some of the most moving onscreen moments are ones in which someone experiences trauma. Capturing or creating those moments requires a delicate touch and a bit of instinct. In this panel, cinematographers Brandon Somerhalder (Come See Me in the Good Light) and Sam Motamedi (Ricky) will discuss their Sundance films with moderator Jay Holben, and delve into the sensitive nature of capturing traumatic events on camera.
Spotlight on Documentaries — Monday 1/27, 1:00 PM
Join moderator Jay Holben for a wide-ranging deep dive into the world of documentary filmmaking, with cinematographers from two of the hottest docs at this year’s festival: Philippe Bellaïche (Coexistence, My Ass!) and Guy Mossman (Speak.).
On-site, Canon will have a full presentation of cameras and lenses including the tools used to create many Sundance-nominated and award-winning films. Canon Pro Reps will be on site to answer technical questions, address production challenges and show attendees the tools Canon offers to support their creative vision. On display will be cameras including the EOS C500 Mark II, EOS C300 Mark III, EOS C70, and EOS R5 C, lenses including RF Cinema Primes and Flex Zooms, and HDR Cinema displays, a full PTZ lineup.
Canon is an official partner of the Sundance Film Festival.
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