Seniors Take Sundance: Inside the University of Arizona’s Film Festival Experience

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Lights, Camera, Sundance!

Each February, a small handful of University of Arizona Film & Television seniors get the opportunity to attend the Sundance Film Festival through the School of Theatre, Film & Television’s annual trip. From volunteering at screenings to attending panels and industry meet-ups, this fully immersive experience gives students an insider’s look at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. 

We sat down with senior BFA student Sarah Astrowsky to hear how the program shaped her filmmaking journey, inspired her storytelling voice, and prepared her for the next steps after graduation.

How would you describe the BFA program to someone curious about the BFA program but new to filmmaking?

The BFA program is a great opportunity to learn all aspects of film production. The application process was quite rigorous, but I am so grateful I was accepted, as I have learned cinematography, editing, documentary making, directing, and producing. 

The BFA is production-focused, so classes typically run around three hours and are hands-on, allowing you to learn how to use equipment while constantly making shorts. If you are new to filmmaking, these classes are especially helpful as you learn the basics and build from there. Now, after completing five semesters of the BFA, I feel confident in my ability to take on any production role in the industry.

What first drew you to the BFA in Film and Television at the University of Arizona? Was there a moment you knew this was the right path for you?

What first drew me to the BFA program at the University of Arizona was the opportunity to learn all aspects of production and have a more one-on-one experience with faculty. My friend, who is a few years older than me, was in the BFA program, and I served as a production assistant and on-set photographer for his thesis film, which premiered at the Fox during the I Dream in Widescreen showcase. 

Seeing him thrive while making his thesis film inspired me to apply to the program and start creating more independent shorts of my own. I knew it was the right path for me because, although I initially thought I wanted to be a director, I discovered that I truly enjoy all the elements that make a film possible. I fell in love with editing and sound design, and now when I make shorts, I try to make it as easy as possible for the editor and sound team by understanding how each role works.

Filmmaking involves so many different roles – directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing. Are you exposed to all of these aspects in the program? And which part do you enjoy the most, and why?

I am exposed to all of these roles. The BFA program requires us to learn each one, and there are classes for everything, so I’ve taken courses in screenwriting, cinematography, directing for the screen, experimental practices, producing, documentary, and more. I enjoy producing the most because I get to learn the behind-the-scenes work of putting a project together – finding locations, casting and coordinating crew, arranging catering, and securing funding. I like being “behind the wheel” and making sure everything falls into place.

How did you land the opportunity to volunteer at the Sundance Film Festival, and what exactly did you do while you were there?

I landed the opportunity to volunteer at the Sundance Film Festival last year in Park City, Utah, when the University of Arizona Film and Television program selected around ten students to participate in the trip. It’s a new program our school started, and this was the first year it was fully funded. We are one of only three schools in the country that both volunteer at the festival and get to attend as guests. 

While I was there, I spent a total of 24 hours (split up, of course) volunteering as a crowd liaison at the Eccles Theater. I helped organize the waitlist room and acted as the liaison between theater staff and the room, sending people in to see screenings. During the trip, I attended 20 film screenings, from episodic pilot shorts to feature films. Our program was also part of the Adobe Ignite package, which allowed me to attend panels and participate in industry speed dating.

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How can other Wildcats get the opportunity to go to Sundance in the future?

Other Wildcats who are senior film and television students can apply to attend Sundance through our major college. If you’re not a current student or in the Film and Television program, you can apply through the Sundance website as a full-time volunteer, and Sundance will cover room and board while you’re there. Many alumni did this at the festival last year.

What was it like to be on the ground at one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world? Any standout moments or films that blew you away?

I’ve always wanted to go to Sundance, so I’m still processing the fact that I was actually there. I felt so inspired seeing all these independent filmmakers and learning the behind-the-scenes work that goes into such a huge film festival. My biggest standout moment was attending a panel with Josephine Decker, who directed Chasing Summer, and Giselle Bonilla, who directed The Musical. I saw both of their films at Sundance, and hearing about their filmmaking process made me super eager to get started and experience the rawness of making a film myself.

Did you see any celebrities while you were there?

I saw so many celebrities while I was there, including Seth Rogen, Charli XCX, Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Nina Dobrev, Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, John Turturro, Taika Waititi, and many more.

How has being in the BFA program shaped your voice as a filmmaker or your perspective on storytelling?

I think a big part of how the BFA program has shaped my voice as a filmmaker and my perspective on storytelling has been my peers and fellow BFA students. Being in classes with them from the start, I’ve learned so much from them and discovered how to tell unique stories. My cohort is very close, and seeing them grow into such talented filmmakers – collaborating on projects and receiving their feedback – has been a huge part of shaping who I am today.

Where do you see yourself after graduation, and how has the U of A helped prepare you for that next step?

My next step after graduation is moving to Los Angeles to work in the film industry. The U of A has helped me prepare through the film classes I’ve taken and by giving me the opportunity to work on as many student film sets as possible.

Interested in following in Sarah’s footsteps? Explore the University of Arizona’s School of Theatre, Film & Television to learn about admissions, programs, minors, scholarships, and upcoming events. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to dive deeper into filmmaking, the School of Theatre, Film & Television offers the resources and opportunities to help you bring your creative vision to life.