In the past two years we all felt the effects of the recession including the film business. However, this year festival-goers spend money again. Lodging, retail and restaurants enjoyed great sales numbers.
In 2010, the festival generated $62.7 million in economic impact, a significant sum for an 11-day event but down sharply from the year before. The 2009 festival generated $92.2 million in economic impact.
Sundance experts say the exact numbers for this year’s festival will be compiled by late spring. The 2011 Sundance Film Festival was up 12 percent over last year in overnight visitation.
