Sundance Film Festival exploring option of leaving Park City

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — These are lines I never thought I’d write. Forgive me if I feel a bit brokenhearted. I’ve been dancing with this crush of mine for the better part of thirty years.

The Sundance Institute’s contract with Park City is up for renewal. As part of the renewal process, the Sundance Institute has announced that it will be taking proposals from cities to host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027 and beyond. This begins with a Request for Information from interested hosts today, followed by a Request for Proposal in May, and finishes with proof-of-concept submissions in June. An announcement regarding the festival’s future is expected in late 2024 or early 2025.

Essentially the Sundance Institute is exploring their options. As hard as that is to swallow, it makes sense.

Eugene Hernandez, Director, of Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming explains, “We are in a unique moment for our Festival and our global film community, and with the contract up for renewal, this exploration allows us to responsibly consider how we best continue sustainably serving our community while maintaining the essence of the Festival experience. We are looking forward to conversations that center supporting artists and serving audiences as part of our mission and work at Sundance Institute, and are motivated by our commitment to ensure that the Festival continues to thrive culturally, operationally, and financially as it has for four decades.”

That doesn’t mean that the Festival has determined to leave. There is a hope within the Institute that Park City and the state of Utah will be a part of this process. The Festival has lived here for 40 years. It could be here for 40 more. There is leverage in that relationship.

It is also important to note that Robert Redford and his family are involved in this process. Amy Redford, his daughter, is part of the committee that will be making the decisions. The Redford family has a love and a deep connection to Utah. We can’t let them forget that. There’s still cinematic magic here. You know it, and hopefully, they will too.