Park City, Utah — One of the biggest film festivals on the planet happens in Utah. Started in 1978 as the Utah/US Film Festival to grow Utah’s film industry, it has grown into a signature event for filmmakers and actors. However, the Sundance Institute is considering a future outside of Utah.
Back in April, the Sundance Institute announced its intention to consider other locations to host the Film Festival. Last week, the Sundance Institute announced the three finalists to host the Festival starting in 2027. Salt Lake City/Park City made the finals due to its historical significance to the event, among other factors. The other contenders are Boulder, Colorado, and (*checks notes*… wait seriously?) Cincinnati, Ohio. That wasn’t a typo; Utah may lose the Sundance Film Festival to Ohio.
So, how the hell did this situation happen? The Festival has had a funky past several years. It went virtual for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which frustrated local businesses. IndieWire reported that people have criticized the rising costs of lodging and food in recent years. According to Deadline, the Festival has also seen “dipping attendance, as well as loss of venues and sponsors in recent years” due to various factors. They view the moment as a way to reinvent itself in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
However, it’s hard to argue that Utah isn’t the top contender at this point, as its strengths of easily accessible airport, tax breaks, and accessibility to various winter activities still make it an excellent spot for a film festival of this magnitude. A potential clash point is the state’s more Conservative policies, which have become increasingly partisan in recent years, a clear distinction with a more Liberal Hollywood (although Ohio also has similar contrasts). In an interview with Deadline, Virginia Pearce, who’s the Utah Film Commission director, compared the situation “to trying to woo back a long-term lover.” One thing being considered by Utah is making a portion of Salt Lake City the heart of the Festival, creating a “Festival District” to make it more accessible. More tax breaks and incentives are also being discussed.
Boulder is another finalist, with the Colorado Sun reporting that the Boulder coalition was given $1.5 million to help bring Sundance to the Centennial State. If it were to receive the festival, Deadline reports that $2 million would be invested in the city to improve infrastructure. It’s also a mountainous environment, albeit with less convenient airport and skier access than Salt Lake City. Ultimately, I feel like the only people who would be happy with this change are those who like the Buffs, cannabis, and frat parties.
Cincinnati wooed Sundance due to its riverfront location and historic theaters. Regarding Cincinnati’s winters, the closest ski area is Perfect North Slopes. While the family-run ski area is well regarded for its snowmaking prowess and excellent operations, it doesn’t compare to Utah’s slopes. I mean no disrespect to Cincinnati, which is a nice city and a great sports town, but it’s an odd fit.
Someone in Deadline’s comments section compared it to a sports team trying to get more money from a city or state by threatening to leave, which makes a lot of sense. In my opinion, if it leaves Utah, it shouldn’t be called the Sundance Film Festival anymore. That would be disrespectful to Robert Redford and the legacy he created.
The official selection is expected to be announced in early 2025, following the conclusion of the Sundance Film Festival.
Image Credits: Kirby Taylor, Sundance Institute, Robert Conklin, Dylan Freedom, Alex Moliski
