The Sundance Film Festival has narrowed down its search for a new location to three finalists. The options include a combination of Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, where the festival has been based for over 40 years, as well as Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio, as announced by the Sundance Institute.
The festival’s director, Eugene Hernandez, expressed that each of the finalist cities has presented exciting possibilities, values, and logistical support necessary to host a vibrant and inclusive Festival. While the festival will remain in Park City for the 2025 and 2026 editions, any changes will take place starting from the 2027 festival. If Utah is chosen, the festival would primarily be in Salt Lake City with some elements in Park City.
Various local leaders have also voiced their support for the event potentially moving to their respective cities. Colorado Governor Jared Polis believes Boulder is the natural next home for the festival, emphasizing the state’s creative communities. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Film Cincinnati’s Kristen Schlotman emphasized the city’s commitment to the arts and its appeal as a dynamic and accessible new venue. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel, and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson expressed their enthusiasm for strengthening the bond with the festival to inspire artists.
The Sundance Film Festival, founded by Robert Redford, has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous top filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino and Ryan Coogler, and has premiered many eventual Oscar nominees and winners like “CODA” and multiple documentary winners.
The festival generated over $118 million for the state of Utah in its 2023 economic impact report. However, concerns have been raised about the festival outgrowing its current location in the mountain ski town of Park City, with conflicts arising due to the clash with the local ski resorts during the busy festival season.
Initially exploring cities beyond Park City in April, the Sundance Institute had a list of six potential host cities, which was eventually narrowed down to the final three finalists. The final decision on the new location is anticipated in early 2025.
