August 28, 2024

Sundance Film Festival Selection Committee Visits Utah as Part of Festival’s RFP Process For A Location Beginning in 2027

SALT LAKE CITY (August 28, 2024) – Representatives from the Sundance Film Festival Host Committee wrapped up a successful site inspection on August 27 where the Utah host committee presented a reimagined footprint in Salt Lake and Park City. This inspection included tours of key venues, theaters, performing arts facilities, and restaurants across Salt Lake City, highlighting the theme of Two Cities, One Experience, preserving the legacy of the Park City experience while expanding the Salt Lake City footprint.

The site inspection showcased a unified effort by Utah’s Sundance Film Festival Host Committee, which includes the Utah Office of Tourism, Utah Film Commission, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Park City, Visit Park City and Visit Salt Lake. The group emphasized its unique ability to offer a blend of urban and natural environments, supported by robust infrastructure and a deep connection to the arts.

“Salt Lake City is a thriving cultural hub with a deep commitment to the arts,” said Salt Lake City Mayor, Erin Mendenhall. “We are excited about the possibility of furthering our partnership with Sundance and sharing our city’s vibrant energy with filmmakers and visitors from around the world.”

“Park City has been the heart of the Sundance Film Festival for over four decades, and we are thrilled to have a chance to continue being a host City in partnership with our neighboring communities,” said Park City Mayor Nann Worel. “From the beginning, we have recognized the need to reimagine our future together while we prepare to host an amazing festival in 2025.”

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson added, “Salt Lake County is ready to support Sundance with our extensive event infrastructure, world-class arts and culture venues, and the warm hospitality for which Salt Lake is known. We look forward to the opportunity to further elevate our region on the global stage.”

“The Sundance name is synonymous with Utah,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “In my travels nationally and internationally, some of the most frequent comments I get about our great State of Utah surround our national parks, skiing and of course the Sundance Film Festival. Sundance is Utah, and Utah is Sundance.” 

The tour also demonstrated the region’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and diversity — key values for the Sundance Film Festival.

The final selection will take place by the first quarter of 2025, and the committee will continue to collaborate closely with Sundance representatives throughout the decision-making process.

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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 Host Committee responded to in June 2024. Six locations were selected for site visits, including Salt Lake City/Park City. A final decision is expected in early 2025.