Sundance Joins the Fight Against ICE as Elijah Wood Rallies for Justice
Protest at Sundance Film Festival Highlights Ongoing Immigration Concerns
PARK CITY, Utah — A brief yet impactful protest unfolded on the evening of January 26 at the Sundance Film Festival, where approximately 100 demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The rally also served to memorialize Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were fatally shot by ICE and border patrol agents, respectively.
Dubbed “Sundancers Melt Ice,” the demonstration lasted for about ten minutes and took place at 577 Main Street at sunset. Attendees chanted, “Love melts ice!” Among those present was actor Elijah Wood, known for his role in Lord of the Rings, who emphasized the festival’s mission of unity, stating, “Here we are at this film festival that is about bringing people together; it’s about telling stories from all over the world. We’re not divided here; we’re coming together.”
The protest also coincided with a weekend during which numerous actors and actresses openly criticized ICE and donned “ICE out” pins at premiere events.
Earlier in the festival, Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost was the victim of a racially motivated assault at a Creative Artists Agency (CAA) party. The assailant, who punched Frost, was subsequently arrested.
Protests have become a customary element of the Sundance experience. In recent years, the festival has witnessed various demonstrations, including a Pro-Palestinian protest two years ago, which saw Scream star Melissa Barrera in attendance. In 2018, a women’s march featured notable speakers such as Jane Fonda, Tessa Thompson, Common, and Gloria Allred, and occurred amid challenging weather conditions.
As Sundance continues, the intersection of art and activism remains a distinctive aspect of the festival’s culture.
