As we prepare for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, our fundamental intention remains for all who attend the Sundance Film Festival to feel welcome and safe. 

Understanding Recent Law Changes

In May, Utah House Bill 257, Sex-based Designations for Privacy, Anti-bullying and Women’s Opportunities, went into effect after the law was passed during the 2024 Utah legislative session. 

You may have heard H.B. 257 referred to as the “bathroom bill” or “bathroom ban” in the media. This law has understandably raised concerns among many. Importantly, this bill does not restrict the use of restrooms unless the restroom is within or attached to a changing room in a government-owned or controlled building. The new law does affect the use of changing rooms in those buildings, and most of the law’s guidelines and restrictions apply to K–12 public schools.

We recognize that the enactment of H.B. 257 has been exceptionally difficult for the community directly targeted by this law. We have heard from members of our community wondering how the new law would impact their attendance at the Sundance Film Festival, and we want to provide clarity.

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival theaters and venues are not impacted by the law, nor is Salt Lake City International Airport.

More specifically, as it pertains to the Sundance Film Festival:

• Festival venues and surrounding businesses: H.B. 257 does not affect the theaters, hotels, businesses, or buildings that Sundance Film Festival operates in Park City and Salt Lake City, nor does it apply to bathrooms and changing facilities in places like restaurants, hotels, theaters, malls, etc. that are privately owned. 
• Eccles Theater in Park City: While one of the Festival venues, the Eccles Theater in Park City, is housed within a government-run public school, as a private rental we will not be enforcing this law and we will not offer any bathrooms that are within changing rooms. As such, our guests are welcome to choose to use any bathroom within the venue. For those who need to use a restroom while waiting in the lines outside the venue, we will have an all-gender restroom trailer available.
• Salt Lake City International Airport: H.B. 257 does not affect the airport. Passengers can use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity; the airport does not have changing rooms. There are single-stall restrooms for people who prefer. Likewise, other transportation centers where bathrooms are independent of changing rooms are not affected. 

While the law does not impact any venues that the Festival uses or the airport that people may use while traveling in and out of Utah, we want to share some further FAQ around this law to help those who may have general questions when traveling to Utah for the Festival.  

How does the law affect what bathroom a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-nonconforming person uses?

H.B. 257 permits people to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity, rather than their sex at birth, so long as the restroom is not attached to a changing room in a government building. Different rules apply in the K–12 setting during school use. 

When might there be a penalty? 

While there is no penalty for using a bathroom so long as it is not attached to a changing room, the space remains governed by traditional privacy laws. As relates to the Festival, our venues are not in government buildings or public schools where a restroom is with a changing room. 

What is a changing room?

Changing rooms are defined as shared spaces designated for multiple people to dress and undress. This includes dressing rooms, fitting rooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms. A changing room with a restroom in or attached to it is considered a changing room. As relates to the Festival, our restrooms in government buildings or public schools do not include restrooms with changing rooms. 

As the airport is a government building, are there restrictions?

Passengers can use whichever sex-designated restroom that aligns with their gender identity at the airport as the airport does not have any changing rooms. In addition to the men’s and women’s restrooms, they do have separate gender-neutral restrooms for passengers.

What should I do if I encounter an issue? 

During the Festival, tEQuitable is an independent, third-party ombuds resource offering confidential, neutral, and impartial support. Whether you need advice, want to express a concern, or seek assistance in resolving an issue related to our Community Agreement, safety, or sense of belonging, tEQuitable is here for you. Reach out to tEQuitable Ombuds here for confidential support.

ACLU of Utah and Equality Utah, the state’s LGBTQ civil rights and advocacy organization, have created an FAQ to interpret the new law which we want to share as a resource for our community who may be seeking accurate information and a better understanding of the law. The full FAQ with analysis from ACLU of Utah and Equality Utah can be found here: https://www.acluutah.org/en/know-your-rights/faqs-hb-257

Moving Forward Together

As an arts nonprofit, our role is to nurture artists and provide a place for communities to come together, converse, and engage with their stories. We will do everything we can to continue this for our full community. We want to assure the communities most affected by this legislation — including transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people — that you are vital to the Sundance community.  

As we share in our Community Agreement, we remain steadfast in our commitment to freedom of creative expression while simultaneously uplifting anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-discriminatory practices in all areas of the Sundance Institute community. We strive for a harassment-free, safe, and respectful environment that protects community members from conduct that is inappropriate, disruptive, abusive, and threatening. We do not tolerate any discrimination against transgender people, and we will continue to listen to and engage with organizations as well as community leaders to make sure the Sundance Film Festival maintains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment to all our artists, staff, volunteers, and audiences of all gender identities and expressions.

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The information above is for general overview purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is different, and legal review is fact-specific. Consult law and policies for specific information.