The Sundance Institute has narrowed down the search for a new Sundance Film Festival location to three areas: Cincinnati, Ohio, Boulder, Colo., and Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah.
The three cities will now move forward into the concluding review process to determine the long-term location for the festival starting in 2027. The decision will be announced after next year’s festival.
The three finalists were assessed on “ethos and equity values, infrastructure and capabilities to host the festival,” according to the Sundance Institute, as well as “demonstrating ways in which they will continue to foster the diverse Sundance community and inspire the next generation of independent filmmakers.”
The festival will continue in Park City and Salt Lake City for both 2025 and 2026.
“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. 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,” said Eugene Hernandez, Festival Director and Head of Public Programming, in a statement.
The Sundance Institute pointed out several attributes that could make each choice attractive for the festival.
In the case of Salt Lake City and Park City, in addition to the incumbent advantage of familiarity, the institute pointed out the state’s economic strength, growing diversity and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Starting in 2027, the festival would revolve more around Salt Lake City with “elements in Park City.”
For Boulder, the Institute highlighted the large concentration of artists in the area, a history of social movements, a welcoming environment, commitment to sustainability and the city’s Racial Equity Plan.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati offers a focus on independent filmmakers, a thriving arts community and investment in arts and culture.
“We are deeply grateful to all the finalists and appreciate the partnership and ingenuity we found in the three moving forward, as well as Atlanta, Louisville, and Santa Fe this summer. Leaders and locals in each community generously welcomed and inspired us as we explored the potential for our festival in 2027, and beyond. On behalf of the entire Sundance Institute team, thank you,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair.
From Variety US