And in the Beginning…

TromaDance is an independent film festival organized by Troma Entertainment Films and held annually in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. It was created as the brainchild of Lloyd Kaufman and Cannibal! The Musical star / future “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker’s discussions about the elitist structure and selection process of the Sundance Film Festival and its involvement with celebrities such as Robert Redford (who atleast started the Sundance Film Festival with good intentions of integrity. With time as you know, the celebritism has become more notorious while the celebrities’ contributions to artistic cinema have become more trivial).

A true independent film festival should be free of “Hollywood” high entry fees, showing multi-million-dollar “independent” movies, or limiting attendance based on social status. Parker encouraged Kaufman to create his own damn festival and thus TromaDance was born!

In January 2000, Kaufman founded the TromaDance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Determined to give independent film back to the people, Kaufman established a festival where there is no entry fee to filmmakers to submit their films, nor is there any admission charged to audience members. The TromaDance Film Festival presents a broad spectrum of films and film styles, creating an opportunity for everyone to put their own personal vision on film and have it seen. All money comes from donations.

Each year huge corporations spend millions of dollars on their seasonal SUNDANCE takeover of Park City, Utah making it increasingly difficult for independent festivals to compete and survive. Which is why every year since the creation of TromaDance, we have experienced increased costs for our Park City venue, Park City license fees, condo rental, etc., and 2007 is no exception.

Yet in the face of a festival period dominated by commercialism, TromaDance remains committed to independent cinema, and will not budge from our policy of NO ENTRY FEES and FREE ADMISSION to our screenings. In the past Troma Entertainment has been paying for most of the budget. This year Troma cannot afford to do so!

Which is why we must rely on the generosity of those who believe in our cause– we have already benefited from a great number of you of fans, and our goal is in sight! With TromaDance rapidly approaching, we appreciate any amount you can give.

And remember– this year contributions on behalf of TromaDance can be tax-deductible.* Please email Kiel [at] Troma [dot] com for more information!

Help keep independent art alive and flourishing in Park City! Help support TromaDance!

For more information about the TromaDance Film Festival, please refer to our FAQ section.