Could Sundance be coming to Savannah? Longtime film festival considering new home
"You're talking about a festival that draws well over 100,000 people each year. You'd have a tremendous economic impact."
"You're talking about a festival that draws well over 100,000 people each year. You'd have a tremendous economic impact."
"You're talking about a festival that draws well over 100,000 people each year. You'd have a tremendous economic impact."
The City of Savannah could become the new home of the Sundance Film Festival.
This comes after the Sundance Institute announced it's considering moving the event out of Park City, Utah after more than 40 years.
The Sundance Institute, founded by Robert Redford who also serves as its president, recently announced it could move the festival starting in 2027.
Right now the institute is holding a request for information period, which ends Wednesday.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that both Savannah and Atlanta are considering submitting bids.
"We are interested and are inquiring for more information," said Savannah Economic Development Authority CEO Trip Tollison.
Currently, Savannah hosts the SCAD Film Festival, which brings numerous prominent filmmakers and actors to town each year.
Founder of the Savannah Film Alliance Charles "Bo" Bowen said the city would be the perfect location to also host the Sundance Film Festival.
"It's an independent film festival," Bowen said. "That's part of the charm, is having it in a place that's not so corporate. And that's why I think Savannah would be perfect."
He said if the festival were to move here, the effect on the Hostess City would be palpable.
"You're talking about a festival that draws well over 100,000 people each year," he said. "You'd have a tremendous economic impact."
Ultimately, Bowen added, this is still in the early stages and it's now a waiting game.
"The fact of the matter is it may stay in Park City," he said. "They haven't announced for certain they are moving. They're just opening it up to possibly host it in other places, exploring their options."