Sundance Reveals Six Possible Cities for 2027 Festival Location, Including Louisville and Cincinnati

As a seasoned movie critic with over two decades of experience in the film industry, I have had the privilege of attending and covering numerous film festivals around the world. Among them, the Sundance Film Festival holds a special place in my heart for its unwavering commitment to independent cinema and nurturing new talent.


The cities contending to host the 2027 Sundance Film Festival have been chosen by the Sundance Institute.

In addition to the possibility of remaining in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, the cities that made the next round are Atlanta, Cincinnati, Boulder, Colo., Louisville, Ky. and Santa Fe, N.M.

According to the Sundance Institute, each city’s infrastructure and ability to host events were scrutinized. Cities had to demonstrate their commitment to welcoming and nurturing the Sundance community and culture of independent art.

In a statement, Eugene Hernandez, the festival director and head of public programming for Sundance Film Festival, expressed his excitement about each city’s thriving creative scene. He noted that these cities, whether newly emerging or well-established, foster artistic growth through their commitment to the arts. Hernandez added that these cities share our ideals and have intriguing prospects for collaboration with our festival, creating opportunities for artists, spectators, and anyone interested in joining the Sundance Film Festival community. This compelling prospect leaves us eager to explore further.

The festival will remain in Park City and Salt Lake City in 2025 and 2026.

The committee responsible for making the final decision will soon travel to each of the shortlisted cities to delve deeper into their potential offerings. While cities like Cincinnati may not initially grab one’s attention, the institute highlighted its vibrant independent film scene. Louisville stands out due to its long-standing arts and culture emphasis and diverse community. Santa Fe boasts a flourishing film industry and artistic heritage in a popular tourist destination. Boulder was chosen for its commitment to sustainability. Atlanta received high marks for its equity index and serves as a significant film production hub with a well-trained labor force. The organizers also acknowledged the economic growth and increasing diversity of Salt Lake City and Park City.

“Sundance has championed independent filmmakers and their projects for more than four decades. As we weigh this significant choice for our Festival, we’re confident that these six finalists will not only ensure a viable future for the event but also expand its influence by nurturing emerging storytellers and showcasing innovative artistic creations,” expressed Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair, and Amanda Kelso, acting CEO.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of being part of an enriching dialogue throughout this selection process. We’ve conversed meaningfully with governors, Mayors, arts supporters, film commissioners, and other community leaders from various cities nationwide. Their passion for filmmaking and their innovative proposals have left us invigorated. I’m grateful for the time and effort invested in each submission – it’s been a truly inspiring journey.

Elected officials made compelling arguments for why their regions should be chosen by Sundance. For instance, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed, “Atlanta is a melting pot of artists, innovators, and creatives whose values align with the Sundance Film Festival. We aim to contribute to Sundance’s legacy by showcasing our city’s art, culture, and distinct qualities. Throughout this selection process, we will highlight Atlanta’s unique offerings in hopes of securing the chance to collaborate with and inspire the upcoming generation of Sundance filmmakers and attendees.”

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed his elation over Boulder, Colorado being a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival. The picturesque Flatirons and Boulder’s historical connection to the Redford family make it an ideal fit. With the ability to accommodate a flourishing, diverse festival, we firmly believe that Boulder is the perfect location for Sundance. I am elated that the Sundance Institute sees potential in moving here and am eager to experience the advantages this partnership will bring to both Colorado and the Festival.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval stated, “For more than just one generation, Film Cincinnati, with unwavering backing from our city, has made the Cincinnati area a preferred destination for filmmaking. We excel at fostering creative artists and the technical crew members, and take pride in recognizing their accomplishments when they shine on the silver screen. With easy access to a vast portion of the American population, Cincinnati is not only a major player in film production but also an essential tourist hub, managing large-scale events with expertise and resources. As both Cincinnati and the Sundance Film Festival stand on the brink of significant transformation, we are eager to collaborate and grow together.”

As a long-time resident of Louisville and an avid supporter of its vibrant arts scene, I am thrilled that our city has been named a finalist for the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. With a rich history of hosting world-class events, a growing film industry, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Louisville presents the ideal stage for the festival’s future.

The mayors of Park City (Nann Worel), Salt Lake City (Erin Mendenhall), and Salt Lake County (Jenny Wilson) issued a joint statement expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to host the Sundance Film Festival over the past 40 years. They are now dedicated to collaborating on a new plan called “Two Cities, One Experience.” This initiative aims to enhance the festival’s legacy as a platform for storytelling and independent film. At its core is their commitment to preserving the festival’s inspiring reputation for uniting diverse audiences and artists.

I, as a proud supporter of this exciting collaboration, firmly believe that the connection between Santa Fe and the Sundance Film Festival is a perfectly harmonious match. Our community in Santa Fe and the Festival share profound values such as inclusivity, sustainability, and diversity. As a resident of Santa Fe, I am thrilled to offer an authentic, unique, and inspiring environment for storytellers from all walks of life. The Sundance Film Festival, with its strong sense of purpose, will find a perfect home in the heart of Santa Fe’s vibrant community and rich cultural heritage. This partnership is not just a waiting game; it’s an opportunity to bring together two exceptional entities that share a deep commitment to creativity, innovation, and positive change.

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2024-07-19 20:17