Sundance Institute Announces Six Finalists for 2027 Festival Host City
The Sundance Institute has unveiled the six finalists in its Request for Proposal (RFP) process to determine the future host city of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. This announcement marks a significant step in the Institute’s effort to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for its iconic Festival.
The cities advancing to the next phase are Atlanta, Georgia; Boulder, Colorado; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; Park City/Salt Lake City, Utah; and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The current locations, Park City and Salt Lake City in Utah, will continue to host the Festival in 2025 and 2026.
The RFP process, which began on May 7, 2024, and concluded on June 21, 2024, involved a comprehensive evaluation of each city’s infrastructure, ethos and equity values, and event capabilities. The Sundance Institute emphasized the importance of each finalist's ability to sustainably support the Festival's growing community of independent artists and audiences.
Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair, and Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO, stated, "For over 40 years, Sundance has supported independent filmmakers. We believe these six finalists offer the best opportunity to secure a sustainable future for our Festival and continue supporting the next generation of storytellers."
Eugene Hernandez, Festival Director and Director of Public Programming, added, "Getting to six finalists was a difficult decision. Each city has a vibrant creative ecosystem that aligns with our values and presents exciting possibilities for partnership."
The selection committee will visit each finalist city to further assess their potential to host the Festival. These visits aim to deepen the Institute’s understanding of how each location can contribute to the Festival’s legacy and future growth.
Statements from Finalists:
Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Georgia: "Atlanta is a diverse and inclusive city aligned with the core values of the Sundance Film Festival. We aim to inspire the next generation of Sundance filmmakers and attendees."
Governor Jared Polis of Colorado: "Boulder’s beautiful backdrop and historical ties to the Redford Family make it an ideal home for the Sundance Film Festival. We are confident in our capacity to support and grow the Festival."
Mayor Aftab Pureval of Cincinnati, Ohio: "With consistent support from Film Cincinnati, we have positioned our region as a go-to community for movies. We look forward to partnering with Sundance to nurture and celebrate creative talent."
Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville, Kentucky: "Louisville’s diverse arts community and commitment to sustainability make us a perfect stage for the Festival’s future. We are ready to host the greatest 10 days in film."
Mayors Nann Worel (Park City), Erin Mendenhall (Salt Lake City), Jenny Wilson (Salt Lake County) of Utah: "We propose a new vision of 'Two Cities, One Experience,' ensuring the Festival remains an inspiring showcase of independent film."
Mayor Alan Webber of Santa Fe, New Mexico: "Santa Fe’s values of inclusion, sustainability, and diversity align perfectly with Sundance. We offer an authentic home for storytellers."
The Sundance Film Festival is renowned for its role in introducing groundbreaking films and supporting independent filmmakers. The selection of a new host city will be a crucial decision for the Festival's future, continuing its mission of uplifting bold artists and powerful storytelling.
The Institute will complete a fair and comprehensive review of the six finalists and provide updates once the 2027 Festival location has been selected.