Sundance Institute released a report this week showing the 2017 Sundance Film Festival generated a total economic impact of $151.5 million for Utah.

According to “The Economic Impact of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival,” at least 71,638 attendees filled 204,652 seats during the 10-day event, which took place Jan. 19-29 in Park City, Salt Lake City and Sundance Mountain Resort.

The 2017 festival generated $14 million in state and local tax revenue, supported 2,778 jobs, and generated $79 million in Utah wages. About 52 percent of those attending the event were from out of state, with about 26 percent of those coming from California. A large number of participants came from Illinois, Nevada and New York as well.

“Spending during the Sundance Film Festival generates many positive economic benefits. Tourism-related industries are beneficiaries of spending that would not otherwise be part of the state’s economy, and that spending entering the state induces additional spending as companies hire additional labor, increase their capacity, and purchase the goods that are necessary to accommodate the additional visitors,” the report reads.

The Sundance Institute has been studying the festival’s economic impact for a number of years, but this year’s independent economic and demographic study conducted by Y² Analytics used updated methodology and technology to give a more complete picture. The report explains that prior studies relied completely on “intercept sampling at the festival” to estimate attendance. This year, the festival used data from Utah-based Blyncsy, a company specializing in sensors that can track individuals’ movements through cellphones.

Even with this high level of technology data, the authors of the report feel the 71,000 number is a conservative count — they estimate the actual festival attendance was closer to 100,000, according to the unique devices counted during the event. This year’s economic impact brought the cumulative total of the festival since 2013 to $465 million, with more than $41.6 million in state and local tax revenue generated and more than 8,400 jobs supported.

“It is apparent that the Sundance Film Festival continues to have an expanding impact on Utah’s vibrant and diverse economy,” said Gov. Gary Herbert in a press release. “In addition to the obvious economic benefits, our ongoing collaboration with Sundance Institute highlights the exceptional cultural, recreational, tourism and business opportunities available here in Utah.”

The study reports that while Utah residents spend more than $25 million to participate in the festival, out-of-state money totals more than $124 million. Non-resident expenses include lodging, car rental and other transportation, meal purchases, and additional recreation and entertainment costs.

“This year’s numbers clearly display the great economic return that investments in the arts can produce in a community,” said Betsy Wallace, CFO and managing director of the institute. “We’re proud to call the state of Utah home, and to be a major representative of the state both nationally and internationally.”

Wallace explained that in the bigger picture, the Film Festival is a significant contributor to Utah’s economy throughout the year. According to the study, 86 percent of the festival attendees plan on returning to Utah in the next year.

“The added tourism doesn’t end when the festival does. We love to be able to draw attention to all of the natural beauty and wonderful amenities offered here in our state, and we feel that the festival does a great job of bringing those to light,” Wallace said.

In addition to the festival, the institute offers year-round activities and programs, including artist labs, a free Summer Film Series, and other local-focused events.

“More than ever, the people of Utah and our business community appreciate the unique benefits provided by the Sundance Film Festival,” said Francis Gibson, majority whip of the Utah House of Representatives. “We look forward to our ongoing work together and the positive collaboration between Sundance Institute and the state.”

The entire economic report is available to view with this article online at heraldextra.com. To find out more information, about the Sundance Film Festival, visit sundance.org/festival.

Courtesy Sundance Institute