July 19, 2024

Utah Invited to Take Next Step in Securing Sundance Film Festival

Committee announces ‘Two Cities. One Experience’ approach to host event in both Park City and Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY—July  19, 2024—The Sundance Institute announced today that Utah will move to the next phase of the selection process as they determine where the Festival will be located after their contract with Park City expires in 2026. This phase will include venue site visits to their final locations under consideration.

The Utah Host Committee – the coalition working to keep the Sundance Film Festival in Utah – responded to the RFP with their “Two Cities. One Experience.” vision for future Festivals. While the Festival has always held screenings and events outside Park City, the committee’s plan expands that experience. 

The restructuring will provide opportunities to utilize additional venues and reach new audiences. This new vision also offers new ways to secure and expand upon the approximately $4 million in financial assistance the Festival currently receives from government entities, as well as the $2 million in cash and in-kind support from local, corporate, foundation and individual donors. 

“We’ve been fortunate to host the Sundance Film Festival and witness some of the greatest films made over the past 40 years. And now, we are committed to working in partnership on a new vision of ‘Two Cities, One Experience’ with a shared goal of reinvigorating the Festival with an even greater tradition for storytelling over the next 40 years. At the heart of our proposal is a commitment to ensuring it remains an inspiring showcase of independent film, bringing together audiences and creators from all walks of life.” – Mayors Nann Worel (Park City), Erin Mendenhall (Salt Lake City), Jenny Wilson (Salt Lake County)

Sundance Film Festival began its site selection process with a Request for Interest from possible candidates in the spring. The Request for Proposals phase for select locations was next, which the Utah Bid Committee responded to in June. Site visits will be held in the coming weeks with an announcement expected in late 2024/early 2025.

###