Mitt Romney Makes Surprise Appearance at Sundance Premiere of 'Mitt' -- and How Do You Suppose Audience Reacted?

PARK CITY, Utah (TheBlaze/AP) — Mitt Romney came to the Salt Lake City premiere of "Mitt," the documentary that tracks his run for the presidency, much to the surprise of the audience, and even the filmmaker.

Mitt and Ann Romney at Sundance for premiere of "Mitt." (Image source: Deadline)

The lobby of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Centre filled with cheers and applause as the former Massachusetts governor, his wife Ann, and several of their children arrived in an unannounced appearance, according to Deadline.

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Just before the screening began, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert...introduced Romney in the audience, saying, “We all wished the election had ended differently.” The room of 250-plus attendees rose in a standing ovation while the Romneys waived from their seats.

Director Greg Whiteley followed the Romney and his family for six years, from his first attempt for the Republican nomination in 2006 to his run against now-President Barack Obama in 2012. Whiteley said the Sundance Film Festival premiere Friday was the Romneys' first look at the film, which will debut on Netflix on Jan. 24.

So what did the Romneys think?

Whiteley said he didn't ask and the Romneys didn't offer. The couple is also expected to attend Saturday night's premiere of the film in Park City, Utah.