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The Sundance Institute has selected the finalist cities to host the 2027 Sundance Film Festival.
In addition to the ability to stay in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, the cities that have advanced to the next round are Atlanta, Cincinnati, Boulder, Colorado, Louisville, Kentucky, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Sundance Institute studied each city’s infrastructure and event capabilities, and cities were asked to demonstrate how they would welcome and encourage Sundance’s diverse community and culture of independent creativity, according to the institute.
“Each of these cities has a vibrant, growing or established creative ecosystem and has enabled creativity to flourish in their cities through their support of the arts. These cities understand our philosophy, align with our core values, and have shown us exciting opportunities for partnership with our festival – for our artists, our audiences, and everyone who wants to be a part of the Sundance Film Festival – and it leaves us hungry for more,” said Eugene Hernandez, festival director and director of public programming, in a statement.
The festival will remain in Park City and Salt Lake City in 2025 and 2026.
The selection committee plans to visit each of the finalist cities in the coming weeks to explore the possibilities in more detail. While cities like Cincinnati may not seem like obvious choices, the institute noted the city’s strong independent film culture. Louisville, meanwhile, offers a longstanding emphasis on arts and culture with a very diverse community. Santa Fe has a thriving film community and a focus on the arts in a historic tourist spot, while Boulder’s focus on sustainability was also key to its selection. Atlanta scores highly on the equity index and is a major film production center with a skilled industry workforce. Organizers also noted that Salt Lake City and Park City have thriving economies, growing populations and increasing diversity.
“For more than 40 years, Sundance has championed, supported, and helped shine a spotlight on independent filmmakers and their work. As we carefully consider this important decision for our festival, we believe these six finalists offer us the best opportunity to not only ensure a sustainable future for our festival, but to build on its legacy while continuing to support the next generation of storytellers and showcase bold new works of art,” said Ebs Burnough, Chair of the Sundance Institute Board of Trustees, and Amanda Kelso, Interim CEO of the Sundance Institute.
Hernandez continued, “Throughout this process, we have had thoughtful, lively, creative and encouraging conversations with governors, mayors, arts advocates, film commissioners and other local leaders from across the country. We have been encouraged by the enthusiasm and tremendous proposals from cities across the country and deeply appreciate the energy that has gone into each proposal.”
Elected officials also argued that Sundance should choose its region. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said, “Atlanta is a diverse and inclusive city of creators, thinkers, artists and storytellers who embrace the core values of the Sundance Film Festival and want to see Atlanta contribute to the legacy of Sundance. Throughout this process, we will continue to shine a spotlight on Atlanta’s art, culture and unique attributes in hopes of winning the opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of filmmakers and Sundance attendees.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said, “I am thrilled that Colorado is a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival. With the beautiful backdrop of the Flatirons, Boulder’s historic ties to the Redford family, and the ability to support a growing and inclusive festival, we believe Boulder, Colorado is the ideal location to host the Sundance Film Festival. I am thrilled that the Sundance Institute recognizes the potential of relocating to my hometown and look forward to the many benefits it would bring to the entire state, as well as the festival.”
“For more than a generation, with the City of Cincinnati’s steadfast support, Film Cincinnati has positioned the Cincinnati region as a premier community for film,” said Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. “We know how to nurture creative talent and skilled workers behind the scenes, and we know how to celebrate them when they’re on the big screen. Easily accessible to a large portion of the American population, the Queen City is also a premier city for tourism at large, handling major events with professionalism and capability. Cincinnati and the Sundance Film Festival are both on the cusp of a major shift, and we look forward to partnering and evolving together.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said, “The City of Louisville and its diverse arts community are proud to be a finalist for the Sundance Film Festival. Our rich history of hosting world-class events, our growing film industry, and our commitment to sustainability position us as a perfect stage for the festival’s future. We are home to the best two minutes in sports, and we are ready to host the best ten days in film.”
Park City Mayor Nann Worel, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said in a joint statement: “We have been fortunate to host the Sundance Film Festival and witness the screening of some of the greatest films made over the past 40 years. And now, we are committed to partnering on a new vision for ‘Two Cities, One Experience’ with a shared goal of reinvigorating the festival with an even greater storytelling tradition over the next 40 years. At the heart of our proposal is a commitment to ensuring it remains an inspiring showcase of independent filmmaking, bringing together audiences and creators from all walks of life.”
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber said, “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 provide an authentic, unique and inspiring home for storytellers of all kinds. Sundance’s sense of purpose and Santa Fe’s sense of place make this partnership a project that is eager to come to fruition.”