The iconic Sundance Film Festival, traditionally held in Park City, Utah, may be looking for a new home starting in 2027. The Sundance Institute is considering other U.S. locations to host the independent film festival as their current contract is up for renewal.
While the 2025 and 2026 festivals will continue to be held in Park City and Salt Lake City, the organization is exploring various options through a request for information and proposal process. The final decision on the festival’s location is expected to be announced by early 2025.
Eugene Hernandez, the festival’s director, emphasized the importance of ensuring the festival’s sustainability and cultural relevance for the global film community. Park City has been the festival’s home for 40 years, transforming the small city every January into a bustling film hub.
Mayor Nann Worel expressed her commitment to working with state leaders and local partners to keep the festival in Park City. The festival has brought significant economic benefits to Utah, generating over 8 million last year alone.
Over the years, the Sundance Film Festival has been instrumental in launching the careers of many filmmakers and has hosted premieres of films that have gone on to receive critical acclaim, including Oscar-winning films like “CODA.” The festival has also been a primary attraction for visitors, often outshining the local ski resorts during the peak winter season.
Despite some tensions with local ski resorts, which see a decline in visitors during the festival, the festival has garnered strong support from establishments like Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. Industry icon Robert Redford, who founded the festival, has been involved in discussions about the festival’s future and evolution.
With the recent departure of the Institute’s CEO and the appointment of an acting CEO, the future leadership of the Sundance Institute remains uncertain as they navigate potential changes for the beloved film festival.
