Sundance Film Festival leaving Park City? Institute is exploring options
PARK CITY, Utah (ABC4) — The historic Sundance Film Festival, which has seen a rich 40-year history in Park City, is exploring different locations across the United States to take the festival.
The current contract with Park City expires in 2027, according to the Sundance Institute, allowing for the festival to “evaluate, consider, and build.” In a press release, the Sundance Institute said it would aim to serve a growing global independent creative community. While it’s not guaranteed the iconic film festival would be leaving Park City or even Utah, there is the chance.
The Institute said a change of venue would help preserve the Festival’s key mission and responsibility of discovery for independent storytellers while introducing their work to new audiences.
“We are in a unique moment for our Festival and our global film community, and with the
contract up for renewal, this exploration allows us to responsibly consider how we best continue
sustainably serving our community while maintaining the essence of the Festival experience,”
said Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming Director Eugene Hernandez.
Mark your calendars: 2025 Sundance Film Festival dates announced
The festival is currently slated to host in Park City both in 2025 and in 2026, however, beginning in 2027, it is open for relocation. As part of the process to find a potential new home, the Sundance Institute is opening a “Request for Information” beginning Wednesday, April 17. The RFI would be used to gather “critical logistical information” of potential host locations, including Utah.
The RFI would be followed by a “Request for Proposal” process which will be used to explore viable locations.
A final location is expected to be decided at the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.
“We are looking forward to conversations that center on supporting artists and serving audiences as part of our mission and work at Sundance Institute, and are motivated by our commitment to ensure that the Festival continues to thrive culturally, operationally, and financially as it has for four decades,” said Hernandez.
Founded in 1981 by actor Robert Redford, the Sundance Film Festival has been a bastion for independent filmmaking. Park City has long been the base for the festival, seeing celebrities, filmmakers and movie buffs alike flock to the screens in Utah.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said the festival reflects Redford’s vision that the voices of film artists have a place in Utah and throughout the world.
“Salt Lake County is committed to partnering with Sundance, other governments and the broader community to ensure that the festival remains in an asset in Utah for decades to come,” said Wilson.
Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough said Sundance cherishes and respects its 40-year history with Park City and the state of Utah and the Institute wasn’t to assure the “continuous discovery and support” for independent artists.
“We look forward to reviewing each proposal and working together with all of our potential collaborators to determine how we can collectively meet the needs of the independent film ecosystem and broader creative community,” said Burnough.
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