And then there were three. After months of in-person visits and formal pitches, the Sundance Institute announced there are now three remaining candidates to host future editions of the famed film festival. The remaining candidates are Boulder, Colorado, Cincinnati, Ohio, and a combined Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah bid. And, yes, the Cincinnati inclusion is not a typo.
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In a statement from the Institute, Eugene Hernandez, Festival Director and Head of Public Programming, noted, “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.”
Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair added, “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.”
Three other candidate cities were considered but did not make the cut. They included Atlanta, Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky, and Sante Fe, New Mexico.
The festival has made Park City its home for over 40 years, but significant costs, lower attendance (hence, lower revenue), and a lack of enthusiasm on the ground from locals made the festival cast a wider net for the future. It should be noted that the new Utah bid would primarily move the festival to downtown Salt Lake City with some special events in Park City over the first weekend of the event.
Reports indicate that Cincinnati unexpectedly impressed the festival committee with their enthusiasm and downtown riverside options while Boulder has a $2 million investment in its package. The latter also has the benefit of being halfway between both Los Angeles and New York, which may come into play.
The festival also provided official statements from each of the remaining bid cities and their representatives.
Boulder, Colorado statement from Governor Jared Polis:
“Boulder is the next natural home to the Sundance Film Festival and we are excited to be one of three finalists to host starting in 2027. Here in Colorado we cherish our creative communities, the jobs they create, and the economic contributions they make to our entire state, and the Sundance Film Festival would perfectly complement the work and creative activity already happening here in Colorado.”
Cincinnati, Ohio statement from Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval & Kristen Schlotman, President/CEO, Film Cincinnati:
“We are ecstatic to continue being considered as the next host city for the Sundance Film Festival. As long-time attendees, we believe Cincinnati’s dedication to the arts, hospitality, and historic theaters make it a great fit. We are inspired by the idea of partnering with the Sundance Institute to celebrate the festival’s rich legacy while introducing a dynamic, walkable, and accessible new venue. Cincinnati’s blend of creativity, culture, and community promises to be an unforgettable experience for both filmmakers and audiences.”
Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah statement from Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel, and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson:
“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 2025 and 2026 festivals will be held in Park City, Utah as planned. The potential new home for the festival will be unveiled after the 2025 festival which runs from January 23 to February 2.