Sundance is a step closer to finding a new (or familiar) home for the film festival in 2027 and beyond.
The Sundance Institute has confirmed the three cities moving on to the finalist phase of its review process to secure a long-term host location: Boulder, Colorado; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah. Up next, those cities will move into a “concluding review process” with a decision expected in the first quarter of next year, following the 2025 edition of the festival. Sundance remains in Park City for 2025 and 2026.
It’s important to note that in distributing the finalists’ locations, Salt Lake City received first billing over Park City, the longtime home for the festival, and it was no accident. The bid received by the festival would move the fest’s central headquarters to Salt Lake, with only elements taking place in Park City. There have long been rumblings and rumors about Sundance moving out of Park City as locals complained about the stress it brings to the small town — particularly during a busy and lucrative ski season — with a massive influx of people crushing the city’s local businesses and public transport every January. For the past several years, Sundance has held more screenings and events outside of Park City in the much larger Salt Lake City, where the first iterations of the fest took place.
The finalist roster comes on the heels of the reveal of the shortlist of six cities that were in the running: Atlanta; Boulder, Colorado; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; Park City/Salt Lake City, Utah; and Santa Fe, New Mexico. In recent weeks, Sundance Institute selection committee members traveled to those cities for site visits and closer inspections on what the potential hosts had to offer as part of a process that was first revealed in April.
Per the Institute, the three finalists were assessed on “ethos and equity values, infrastructure and capabilities to host the festival, in addition to demonstrating ways in which they will continue to foster the diverse Sundance community and inspire the next generation of independent filmmakers.” A long-term deal is expected, and key to the discussions was making sure that wherever Sundance went, there would be transportation, adequate theater venues, hotels and lodging, and a community ready and willing to embrace the influx that comes with hosting thousands of film-lovers, auteurs and industry insiders.
Eugene Hernandez, Sundance festival director and head of public programming, said he sees “great promise” in the three options. “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 40 years.”
As part of today’s reveal, the Sundance Institute distributed statements representing each city. Those statements are below.
Boulder, Colorado
A view of Boulder, Colorado.
Justin Bilancieri/Courtesy of Sundance Institute
“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,” offered Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
Cincinnati, Ohio
A view of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Courtesy of Sundance Institute
“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,” said Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Film Cincinnati president and CEO Kristen Schlotman in a joint statement.
Salt Lake City/Park City
A view of the Salt Lake City skyline in Utah.
Courtesy of Sundance Institute
“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,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson in a joint statement.