To filmmakers, cinephiles, and festival-goers, January is synonymous with the Sundance Film Festival. Founded by Hollywood icon Robert Redford, the largest independent film festival in the United States has called Park City, Utah, its home for over four decades. However, come 2027, that venerable institution may be packing its bags for a new location. The hunt is on for a new host city, and the competition is fierce.
As of late July, six cities have made the cut: Atlanta, Boulder, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Santa Fe join the joint bid from Park City and Salt Lake City. "We want the communities to tell us how we fit with them. This is a great time for the finalists to have dialogues with us and with their residents," stated Eugene Hernandez, the Sundance Film Festival director during a conversation with Heather Kelly, host of the podcast Money Making Sense.
The final decision, slated for early 2025, will hinge on various factors: the city's infrastructure, accessibility, event venues, logistical capabilities, and alignment with Sundance’s core values. "Our main goal is to support, sustain, and help shine a spotlight on artists and their work," added Hernandez. The future host city will need to support Sundance’s mission while ensuring a sustainable future for the festival.
Each of the finalist cities has unique strengths. Atlanta, with its vibrant and diverse cultural scene, offers strong alignment with Sundance’s inclusive ethos. Mayor Andre Dickens exuded confidence, stating, "Atlanta is diverse and inclusive for creatives, thinkers, artists, and storytellers." On the other hand, Cincinnati’s Mayor Aftab Pureval highlighted the city’s historic architecture, walkability, and affordability, positioning the Queen City as an "obvious and natural choice" for Sundance.
Boulder, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico, known for their scenic beauty and artistic vibrancy, also make compelling cases. Meanwhile, in Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer emphasized how the city’s burgeoning arts scene and community spaces make it a fitting candidate. The joint bid from Park City and Salt Lake City emphasizes a model of "Two Cities, One Experience," aiming to host the festival across both locations.
Sundance, traditionally held in snowy January, is a significant logistical commitment. In 2023 alone, there were 138,050 in-person tickets redeemed, and the festival's hybrid model attracted a total viewership of 423,234. To pull off an event of this scale, the chosen city will need robust logistical infrastructure and community support.
Historically, Sundance has been a launchpad for cinematic giants like Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Christopher Nolan. Recent successes include Oscar-winning films like CODA and Summer Of Soul and critically acclaimed titles like Minari. The festival’s impact on the independent film circuit is monumental, often setting the tone for award seasons to follow.
The economic implications for the host city are substantial. Film Cincinnati President and CEO Kristen Schlotman noted that hosting Sundance would cement Cincinnati’s position as a film production hub, drawing visitors and boosting local businesses. The same sentiment was echoed by Charles Bowen, an entertainment attorney from Savannah—one of the Georgia cities that bid unsuccessfully for Sundance. Bowen believes a festival of this caliber could significantly elevate Savannah’s status as a filming destination.
Many have echoed these benefits. The cultural enrichment and economic boost provided by Sundance make it a highly coveted event. Notably, Cincinnati pointed to its robust arts scene as illustrated by ArtsWave's $12.5 million fundraising campaign—a testament to the city's commitment to the arts. Similarly, Atlanta’s rich film history, bolstered by Georgia’s Film Tax Credit, positions it as a strong contender.
Looking back, Robert Redford’s decision to found the Sundance Institute in 1980 has left an unparalleled legacy in the film world. Starting with the Utah/United States Film Festival in 1978 and evolving into Sundance, the festival has grown exponentially. Despite some concerns about outgrowing Park City, many, including Redford’s daughter Amy, remain optimistic about Sundance’s future. Referring to the search process, they emphasize careful consideration to ensure Sundance remains true to its roots while evolving with the times.
This period of uncertainty and anticipation has triggered a flurry of preparations among the finalist cities. Mayors and local officials have been vocal about their cities' readiness to embrace Sundance. As the festival’s board, led by Ebs Burnough and Amanda Kelso, prepares for site visits, the palpable excitement and competitive spirit among the cities are undeniable.
So, as we await the announcement in early 2025, one can't help but speculate about the future. Whether it’s the cultural melting pot of Atlanta, the storied streets of Cincinnati, or the mountain vistas of Boulder, one thing is certain: Sundance will continue to be the beacon of independent cinema, encouraging dialogue, diversity, and artistic innovation. As Eugene Hernandez succinctly puts it, "Hiring locals is one way of supporting the community." The festival’s commitment to community integration will play a pivotal role in the final decision.
In the end, the essence of Sundance is not tied to any one location but to the vibrant spirit of independent storytelling it fosters. Wherever Sundance lands, the festival will remain a vital platform for filmmakers and audiences alike. As we inch closer to the final decision, the excitement builds—not just for the host cities, but for everyone invested in the magic of Sundance.
