Sundance is one step closer to finalizing homes for 2027 and beyond.
On Friday, the Sundance Institute announced a shortlist of cities that have been selected to move into the next phase of an exploratory process to identify destinations for the festival after its current contract with Park City expires. The list includes Atlanta; Boulder, Colorado; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; Park City/Salt Lake City, Utah; and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Next up: Sundance Institute selection committee members will travel to these cities for field trips in the coming weeks, with final locations expected to be announced by the end of the year or the first quarter of 2025.
The six finalists represent the list that emerged following a call for proposals that closed on June 21. How finalists can sustainably serve and support the growing Sundance Film Festival community of independent artists and audiences.”
It is understood the exploration process will include committing to a long-term deal wherever the festival takes place, with key discussions being to ensure there is transport, adequate theater space, hotels and accommodation wherever the festival takes place, as well as a community ready and willing to host A community populated by thousands of film lovers, directors and industry insiders.
There have long been rumors and rumors about the festival moving out of Park City. Locals complain about the pressure it puts on the town – especially during the busy ski season – as the influx of people each January disrupts local businesses and public transport in the city. Over the past few years, the Sundance Film Festival has hosted more screenings and events outside of Park City in the greater Salt Lake City, where the first festival was held. It is understood that as part of the proposal, Utah cities have submitted plans that have changed from previous years.
“As we consider this important decision for our festival very carefully, we believe these six finalists offer us the best opportunity to not only secure a sustainable future for our festival, but to do so with continued support A Generation of Storytellers While Carrying on Their Legacy Sundance Institute Board of Trustees Chairman Ebs Burnough and Sundance Institute Acting CEO Amanda Kelso said in a joint statement said. “We are grateful to all the communities who expressed interest and participated in this process, and we greatly value the opportunity to learn about the uniqueness of each location. We look forward to conducting site visits to each shortlisted city.
Sundance Film Festival Director and Programming Director Eugene Hernandez said the process included “lively discussions” with numerous elected officials, including governors, mayors, arts advocates, film commissioners and other local leaders. , creative and supportive dialogue”. “It was a difficult decision to make it to the six finalists. These cities all have a vibrant creative ecosystem, both expanding and building, and have allowed creativity to flourish in their cities through support for the arts. These cities The city understands our ethos, aligns with our key values, and shows us the interesting possibilities of partnering with our festival—for our artists, audiences, and everyone who wants to be a part of the Sundance Film Festival Say – it makes us want to see more.
As part of today’s reveal, the Sundance Institute distributed a statement (or a joint statement from leaders) representing each city. These statements are as follows.
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
“Atlanta is a diverse, inclusive city that brings together creatives, thinkers, artists and storytellers who align with the core values of the Sundance Film Festival and want to see Atlanta contribute to the Sundance Film Festival. In the process, we will continue to promote Atlanta’s arts, culture and unique attributes in hopes of earning opportunities to engage and inspire the next generation of Sundance filmmakers and audiences. — Mayor Andre Dickens
Boulder, Colorado
“I am delighted that Colorado has been shortlisted to host the Sundance Film Festival. With the beautiful backdrop of the Flatiron Building, Boulder’s historic ties to the Redford family, and our ability to support a growing inclusive film festival, we believe Colorado State “I’m delighted that the Sundance Institute recognizes the potential of relocating to my hometown and look forward to the many benefits it will bring to the entire state and to the festival.”
– Governor Jared Polis
Cincinnati, Ohio
“For a generation, Cincinnati Films, with the continued support of the city of Cincinnati, has positioned the Cincinnati region as a premier community for movies. We know how to cultivate creative talent and skilled workers behind the scenes, and we know how to educate them when they appear on the big screen. They pay tribute. The Queen City is accessible to much of the U.S. population and is a major league city for the broader tourism industry, hosting major events with expertise and ability. Both Cincinnati and the Sundance Film Festival are on the verge of huge change. , we look forward to cooperating and developing together. —Mayor Aftab Preval
Louisville, Kentucky
“The city of Louisville and its diverse arts community is proud to be a finalist city for the Sundance Film Festival. Our rich history of world-class events, growing film industry, and commitment to sustainability make us a premier film festival The perfect stage for what’s ahead. We’re home to the greatest two minutes in sports, and we’re ready for the greatest ten days in film. – Mayor Craig Greenberg
Park City/Salt Lake City
“We are fortunate to host the Sundance Film Festival and witness some of the greatest films made over the past 40 years. Now, we are committed to collaborating on a new vision of ‘Two Cities, One Experience’ with the shared goal of serving the next 40 years.” year to reinvigorate the festival with a greater tradition of storytelling. At the heart of our proposal is a commitment to ensuring it remains an inspiring showcase for independent cinema, bringing together audiences and creators from all walks of life. –Joint statement from Mayors Nann Worel (Park City), Erin Mendenhall (Salt Lake City), and Jenny Wilson (Salt Lake City)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
“Santa Fe and the Sundance Film Festival are a natural fit. Our shared values of inclusion, sustainability and diversity have long been hallmarks of our community and the festival’s independent spirit. Santa Fe will tell all kinds of stories The Sundance Film Festival’s mission and Santa Fe’s sense of place make this partnership waiting to happen. – Mayor Alan Webb
