In the alpine cradle of Park City, Utah, the annual Sundance Film Festival has painted the snow-laden town in the vibrant colors of independent cinema for four decades. The festival, an endeavor of the Sundance Institute founded by Robert Redford, has unfailingly transformed the wintry charm of the small city every January into a bustling hub for filmmakers and movie enthusiasts alike. However, as of recent, the institute has begun to ponder on the possibility of breaking tradition and considering alternative locations across the US to host the prestigious event from 2027 onwards.
While the 2025 and 2026 editions of the film festival are set to take place in the familiar settings of Park City and Salt Lake City, the institute has initiated a meticulous exploration of all available options, starting now, in relation to the pending contract renewal due in 2027. The final selection, which could see the festival return to its longtime home at Park City, is anticipated to be officially announced by early 2025.
Speaking on this matter, Eugene Hernandez, the Festival’s Director, highlighted the unique juncture they currently find themselves in, as they strategize on how to continue serving their global film community sustainably. Striking a balance between maintaining the essence of the festival experience and ensuring its cultural, operational and financial continuity is a top priority, revealed Hernandez.
With a history stretching back 40 years, Park City has been synonymous with the pioneering Sundance Film Festival. The city’s quaint and charming main street metamorphoses into an exclusive rendezvous point for actors and filmmakers, while local establishments such as libraries and recreation centers don the avatar of makeshift theaters during the festival. The city’s restaurants too bask in the glittering aura of casting parties, hosted after global film premieres.
The Mayor of Park City, Nann Worel, expressed her wish to keep this long-standing relationship intact. Wishing for the festival to grace the city for another 40 years, Mayor Worel is committed to initiating dialogue with state leaders and local allies, especially in light of the fact that Utah’s economy was bolstered by over $118 million as a result of last year’s hybrid festival.
Not only has Sundance been a veritable springboard for many of the world’s acclaimed filmmakers, but it has also been the preferred premiere venue for many Oscar-winning films. However, despite its rich history and contributions, the festival has had its share of tensions with local ski resorts, that have seen a dip in tourist influx during the peak winter months due to the flood of festivalgoers.
To assuage these concerns, the festival has made strategic compromises over time, such as opting for screenings in the neighboring Salt Lake City and shifting its dates to allow the ski resorts to take advantage of holiday weekends. Their choice to set the festival early in the year allows them to give a grand premiere platform for new projects around the globe.
Key local stakeholders such as Deer Valley Resort, an exclusive ski resort in Park City, voice their keen desire to see the festival remain in the city. Remarks from figures such as Emily Summers, spokesperson for Deer Valley Resort and Sara Huey, spokesperson for Park City Mountain Resort, have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how Sundance and the city are integral to each other.
Redford himself, despite having stepped back from the limelight of Sundance some years ago, hinted at the festival’s potential growth beyond Park City as early as 2016. Involvement in the recent deliberations by both him and his daughter Amy Redford, who’s on the board, suggested a concentrated effort towards ensuring the festival’s evolution.
In other related news, Sundance Institute’s CEO, Joana Vicente, has stepped down from her role last month after a two and a half year tenure. An interim CEO, Amanda Kelso, has come on board, but a permanent replacement is yet to be announced.
