The Sundance Film Festival is more than just a celebration of independent cinema; it’s a space where voices are amplified, new perspectives emerge, and storytelling becomes a force for change. As a Sundance event photographer, I have the unique opportunity to document these moments—not just the red carpets and premieres, but the conversations, connections, and advocacy happening behind the scenes. In many ways, Sundance feels comparable to the activations at my favorite annual event SXSW—where industry leaders, creatives, and changemakers gather not just to showcase work, but to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of technology, film, music and more. Both festivals serve as hubs for innovation, intersectionality, and pushing boundaries in media and entertainment.

This year, I had the honor of working with the MPAC Hollywood Bureau, an organization dedicated to increasing authentic Muslim representation in Hollywood. Their presence at Sundance is a testament to the power of storytelling and the urgent need for diverse voices in the entertainment industry.

Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah

The Role of a Sundance Event Photographer in Telling Bigger Stories

Event photography is often thought of as just capturing people in a room, but for me, it’s about something much deeper. What drives me as an event photographer is the relationships—both the ones I build with the people I work with and the connections I get to witness between them. There’s something powerful about capturing a moment of genuine interaction, whether it’s an artist finding solidarity with their peers, a leader mentoring the next generation, or a simple exchange that sparks a lasting collaboration. These moments are what make events like Sundance so meaningful—not just the panels and speeches, but the bonds, relationships, and future partnerships forged in the process.

At MPAC’s Muslim House as their Sundance event photographer, I witnessed firsthand the power of advocacy in action. I saw filmmakers, industry leaders, and changemakers come together with a shared goal: to challenge stereotypes, open doors, and ensure that Hollywood reflects the real world—not just a narrow version of it.

Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah
Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah

Why Representation in Hollywood Matters

Hollywood has long held the power to shape how the world perceives people and communities. For too long, Muslim characters in film and television have been confined to harmful stereotypes—often portrayed as villains, side characters, or one-dimensional figures that fail to capture the richness and complexity of Muslim lives. As one of the panelists, Arij Mikati, humorously pointed out, “Terrorist #3”—a nod to the limited and often reductive roles Muslims are given in mainstream media.

Seeing Muslim creatives and industry professionals owning their space, leading important conversations, and advocating for better representation was a powerful reminder that change isn’t just needed—it’s already happening. And much of that change is driven by inspiring leaders like Sue Obeidi, a woman who is not just opening doors but breaking them down to ensure that underrepresented voices have a seat at the table. She is a force of nature—someone who connects people, fosters community, and makes sure that when opportunities arise, they are accessible to all. Sue first hired me for their SXSW takeover in 2024, and I was immediately drawn to their spirit, the impactful programming, and the sense of purpose they bring to everything they do. I enjoyed working with them so much that when the opportunity came to join MPAC at Sundance, I was absolutely thrilled.

Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah
Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah

The Importance of Event Photography at Sundance

Sundance isn’t just about what happens on the screen—it’s about the massive activations that take over entire streets and buildings, where brands invest thousands of dollars to make their mark. As a Sundance event photographer, our job is to capture these dynamic brand moments—the strategic investments that companies make to ensure their presence is unforgettable.

From entire building takeovers to exclusive venue buyouts, brands are investing heavily to stand out in a crowded space. These activations are designed not only to engage the audience but to position the brand as a leader in the conversation around innovation, storytelling, and the future of filmmaking. As a photographer, it’s my job to capture these branded moments, ensuring the full scope of the activation is documented for future campaigns, press, and social media. My photography is an essential asset in maximizing the return on investment for such high-cost activations, turning every moment into something that can be leveraged for long-term impact.

For organizations like MPAC, being present at Sundance is more than an event—it’s a strategic move to ensure their voice is amplified in a highly visible way. Every image I captured contributes to creating a visual narrative that reinforces their message and solidifies their brand identity and the future of Muslims in Hollywood.

Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah
Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah
Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah

Why You Need a Professional Sundance Event Photographer

Sundance is a fast-paced, high-energy festival where capturing the right moments requires skill, experience, and an understanding of the large scale events with multiple activations, exhibitions, and large crowds like SXSW or CES. Whether it’s a high-profile panel, an exclusive networking event, or a behind-the-scenes gathering, having a professional Sundance event photographer ensures that your event is documented with the quality and storytelling it deserves.

Great event photography isn’t just about snapping pictures—it’s about creating a visual narrative that reflects the energy and impact of your event. If you’re hosting an event at Sundance or any major industry gathering, investing in professional photography ensures that the work you’re doing reaches beyond the room—it becomes part of a larger conversation.

Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah
Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah
Salt Lake City Event Photographer at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah

Looking Ahead: The Future of Representation in Hollywood

Working with MPAC at Sundance was a reminder of why visibility matters—not just in film, but in every space where stories are told. As a photographer, my job is to capture history in the making, and there’s no doubt that MPAC is shaping the future of Hollywood in a way that will be felt for generations to come.

If you’re looking for a Sundance event photographer to capture your organization’s presence, elevate your brand, and document the impact of your work, let’s connect. Together, we can ensure that these moments don’t just happen—they are remembered, shared, and celebrated.