The Sundance Film Festival, which has been held in Park City, Utah since its inception in 1985, may be on the move. Deadline reported that 15 cities have submitted bids to host the festival, with cities such as Athens, Savannah, Santa Fe, and San Francisco in the running for the 2027 festival. While the festival will remain in Park City through 2026, the decision to potentially relocate comes after 2024’s festival experienced low sales and issues related to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
The 2023 festival, the first after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, saw a shift to a hybrid model that allowed viewers to watch films in person or online. In-person attendance dropped to 86,824 attendees from the 116,800 attendees in 2020, but online views increased to 285,000. The removal of two Park City theaters from the list of venues, the Marc and the Temple, also impacted the festival atmosphere. While the reason for these changes is unknown, it aligns with the ongoing discussions about potentially moving the festival to a new location, stemming from concerns about the cost and overcrowding in Park City.
To retain the festival, Park City and Utah have shown their commitment. An Utah Sundance Film Festival Host Committee has been formed, led by Governor Spencer Cox, to collaborate with the Sundance Institute on the potential relocation for the 2027 festival and beyond. The Utah Film Commission director, Virginia Pearce, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue hosting the festival and highlighted the significant economic and cultural contributions that the festival has made to the state over the past 40 years.
Salt Lake City also presents itself as a potential location for the festival, with an international airport and more venue options. The impact of relocating the Sundance Film Festival could be significant, as the festival contributed $167.5 million to Utah’s gross domestic product in 2020 and generated $88 million in wages. This potential relocation could have far-reaching implications for both Utah and any state chosen to host the renowned film festival.
As the Sundance Film Festival explores potential new locations, the festival circuit may see a major shake-up. With Park City being seen as expensive and crowded, the move to a new location could offer a fresh start for the festival. While the decision to relocate the festival remains uncertain, the discussions and bids from various cities showcase the importance and influence of the Sundance Film Festival in the film industry. The festival’s future location will impact not only the local economy but also the festival’s long-term success and connection to its audience.
