Cincinnati Named Top 3 Finalist to Host Sundance Film Festival
Source: Sundance Institute / Radio One Cincinnati
Cincy Cinephiles, we’re one step closer to securing the title of host city for the Sundance Film Festival!
September 12th, the Sundance Institute revealed the three city finalists to host the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. The final contenders alongside Cincy are Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah— the current host city. Each town will be moving forward in the concluding review phase.
According to the Institute, all three cities were evaluated based on “ethos, equity values, infrastructure, and festival-hosting capabilities”. The cities also show how they would nurture the diverse Sundance community while inspiring future filmmakers.
RELATED: Cincinnati Named as Finalist for Sundance Film Festival
The upcoming 2025 and 2026 Sundance Film Festivals will continue in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. Then, the festival will officially transition to the new host city in 2027.
Festival Director Eugene Hernandez seems to be excited and optimistic about the finalists. He stated, “We see great promise and potential in Boulder, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake/Park City. Each has shown us the blend of exciting possibilities, values, and logistics needed to produce a vibrant, inviting, and inclusive festival.”
Mayor Aftab Pureval and Film Cincinnati CEO Kristen Schlotman submitted their statement in support, reading:
“We are ecstatic to continue being considered as the next host city for the Sundance Film Festival. As long-time attendees, we believe Cincinnati’s dedication to the arts, hospitality, and historic theaters make it a great fit. We are inspired by the idea of partnering with the Sundance Institute to celebrate the festival’s rich legacy while introducing a dynamic, walkable and accessible new venue. Cincinnati’s blend of creativity, culture, and community promises to be an unforgettable experience for both filmmakers and audiences.”
The final decision will be announced in late winter/early spring 2025.
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