SLC/Park City named as 1 of 3 finalists to host future Sundance Film Festival

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City/Park City is among the three finalists to be future hosts of the Sundance Film Festival for 2027 and beyond.

Along with the duel-host Utah cities are Boulder, Colorado and Cincinnati, Ohio. That narrows the field from six possible destinations, leaving behind Atlanta, Louisville, and Sante Fe. The final decision will be announced in 2025, after the next film festival scheduled from Jan. 23 — Feb. 2.

The nonprofit Sundance Institute, which runs the festival, announced a request for proposal that closed in June, with six finalists announced in July. Utah’s two-city approach is supported by Park City, Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake County officials. It may retain the small-town mountain charm that Park City offers but also provide big-city support during a busy ski season.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel, and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson released a joint statement:

Salt Lake City, Park City, and Salt Lake County are proud to unite in support of the Sundance Film Festival. Each step brings us closer, as a bid team in continuing our journey with Sundance. We are eager to forge an even stronger bond to inspire artists and elevate the festival experience. With our extensive event infrastructure, world-class venues, and warm hospitality, we’re ready to help Sundance shine on the global stage.

The Sundance Institute said the three cities were assessed on “ethos and equity values, infrastructure, and capabilities to host the festival.” It also said the destinations that made the final cut demonstrated ways they will foster the diverse Sundance community and inspire the next generation of independent filmmakers.

Sundance hosted free local programming in Salt Lake County and Park City in July.  The festival started in Utah, morphing from previous festivals and was long associated with actor Robert Redford and it is seen as a key fest for independent film and is one of the best-know festivals in the U.S.

“As we move to the next phase in our search for a sustainable home for the Sundance Film Festival, we see great promise and potential in Boulder, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake/Park City,” Festival Director and Director of Public Programming Eugene Hernandez said. “Each has shown us the blend of exciting possibilities, values, and logistics needed to produce a vibrant, inviting, and inclusive Festival. We’re excited for a future Sundance that can discover, support, and inspire artists and audiences for the next forty years.”

Read the full story at KSLTV.com.

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