This year’s Sundance Film Festival’s decision to go virtual due to the ongoing pandemic has turned to be the best the festival could do, witnessing the largest audience ever recorded for the event.

Although the festival shortened the list to 72 films, it maintained a viewership 2.7 times greater than when the festival was in its physical form. Viewers across 120 countries and all 50 U.S. states tuned in to watch online.

Keri Putnam, Sundance CEO commented on the success, “It’s been rewarding to see the way adventurous audiences everywhere engaged with our program and platform, and of course we are delighted to have met and even exceeded our goal of expanding the reach and community for independent film in this challenging year.”

It is unsure whether or not Sundance will continue its virtual format or return to its Utah location to resume the regular festival in 2022.