The Impact Lounge at Sundance Film Festival, founded by Utah State University graduate Heather Mason, is making waves as a hub for social impact and storytelling.
With deep ties to Utah and a mission to inspire change, The Impact Lounge has become a highlight of the festival.
“I grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and I never thought I could get into film,” Mason, founder and CEO of the Impact Lounge, said. “When (a speaker from the Utah Film Commission) came, I thought, ‘This is a possibility.’”
Her journey began when she volunteered for Sundance as a Utah State student. Today, Mason’s career has come full circle. The Impact Lounge now serves as a platform for meaningful discussions and innovative ideas.
A space for students and community
The Impact Lounge is not just for seasoned filmmakers. Local students, including many from Utah universities, are deeply involved. Hayden Miller, a Utah State University student, volunteered at the lounge and shared his experience.
“The CEO of the Impact Lounge is a USU alum, and that’s the school I go to,” Miller said. “They did a lot of outreach to our advisors and department heads.”
He described how the panels offered fresh perspectives, blending entertainment with topics like healthcare and climate change.
Miller emphasized the unique opportunity the lounge provides for students. “I think that, honestly, just kind of connecting with us as students ... seeing that (Heather Mason is) participating in this international festival in such a meaningful way, was really attractive to me,” he said.
Mason’s dedication to Utah students and communities is evident in her work. “I believe in Utah universities and the students there,” she said. “My skill set is bringing people together. That’s what I was born to do.”
Panels that inspire action
The Impact Lounge hosted panels on various topics, from climate storytelling to regenerative agriculture. These discussions aim to merge creativity with solutions for global challenges.
Alissa Hudson, a panel attendee, appreciated the range of topics. “I went to the panel on climate resilience, which was led by the filmmaker from 'Common Ground,'” she said. “It really looked at regenerative agriculture and creating more resilient farms.”
Hudson works in corporate sustainability and came to Sundance to network and learn. “Anywhere where you can get people together to talk and build community around things they’re passionate about is awesome,” she said.
For Mason, creating an inclusive space for these conversations is key. “I want this to be an open, big tent,” she said. “The bigger the tent, the bigger the change, and the biggest amount of ideas.”
Honoring Sundance and Utah
Mason’s connection to Sundance runs deep. “This film festival changed my life,” she said. “It is a part of my core ... and I have a deep, deep love for it and appreciation of Robert Redford and what he started.”
She believes the festival’s legacy is tied to its Utah roots. “I think when you take something that’s been entrenched in a place and remove it ... it’s hard to lose that,” she said. “There’s something about it being tied to winter and mountains.”
Mason’s passion for storytelling and impact extends beyond Park City. The Impact Lounge has also hosted events at the Cannes Film Festival and the United Nations. Mason plans to expand the lounge to other festivals and events, continuing to build on its mission.
A call to students and Utah locals
Miller encouraged other Utah students to get involved. “I know they’re planning on doing more events later, so ... reach out,” he said. “It’s been really fun.”
For attendees like Hudson, the Impact Lounge is a unique space to connect, learn, and grow. “I came with the company I work for to network and get inspired by other brands through brand storytelling,” she said.
As Mason reflected on her journey, she emphasized the importance of giving back. “We all need to have that kind of ethos, that kind of mentorship ... and that kind of rebelliousness that Robert Redford had,” she said. “I want to honor him in whatever I do.”