PARK CITY, UT — Near the center of town, Chase Sapphire Lounge on Main Street was the destination for a collection of parties, panels, and events at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where celebs, filmmakers, and influencers came together.
I had the good fortune to experience the vibes, panels and the wonderful ambience of the Chase Sapphire Lounge itself. A great place to keep warm from the pretty frosty temperatures outside.
There was some star-studded company in the building for the Austin Film Society lounge on Friday — with Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, and Normani, who were celebrating the premiere of the Too $hort film “Freaky Tales.”
Actresses Lucy Liu and Julia Fox toasted to the Steven Soderbergh directed “Presence,” film and the trio of Dylan O’Brien, River Gallo, and Victoria Pedretti convened for “Ponyboi.” The lounge felt like a who’s who of that talent, with the likes of Riley Keough, Jesse Eisenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Camila Cabello stopping by for their films.
Morning sessions were equally gripping, with panels of key players from some of the festival’s most buzzed-about movies. Saoirse Ronan talked about her new drama, ”The Outrun,” and Glen Powell and Richard Linklater explained “Hit Man.” Megan Park, the director of “My Old Ass,” laughed nostalgically with her young cast about the movie.
Cultural conversations featured Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, André Holland, and John Earl Jelks. They participated in a panel with director Titus Kaphar on “Exhibiting Forgiveness.”
“He’s just an incredible artist, and I’m so happy to be part of his film and be a part of something that his art means so much in the art world,” adding that Kaphar’s work is “vital right now, especially in global and political terms.”
Exclusive performances from Leon Bridges for Sapphire Reserve card members on Thursday evening and performances from violinist Enzima on Sunday.
Eating is necessary at Sundance, and this year, an Infatuation dining concierge expertly managed the event, making sure attendees could book hard-to-get reservations during the town’s busiest time of year. The gourmet fare was served throughout the weekend, courtesy of the esteemed Chef Melissa King of “Top Chef,” an after-hours Infatuation party with an all-star DJ lineup that kept guests dancing late into the night.
The lounge featured sumptuous bites and delightful drinks created by some of the area’s best restaurants (including one by some of the best chefs). As long as people stayed within the event, every part of their experience was pampering and pleasure.
The Chase Sapphire Lounge was more than just a place to respite; it was the vibe, a festival heartbeat, a pumping mix of cinema, conversation , and celebration.
