The Sundance Film Festival, an iconic symbol of independent cinema, has thrived for decades in the picturesque town of Park City, Utah. Now, as the festival's location for the next decade hangs in the balance, Utah residents and state leaders are making a fervent push to keep it within their borders—a move that may involve substantial financial investments.
Currently, Utah is home to the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, marked by thousands wearing stickers that read “Keep Sundance in Utah.” This wave of local sentiment underlines a collective desire to retain the festival’s deep-rooted presence of 41 years. Governor Spencer Cox, although initially hesitant about hefty financial incentives, is now urging the Utah Legislature to allocate $3 million to convince festival organizers to remain in the state. As discussions unfold, Park City stands against competitors such as Cincinnati, Ohio, and Boulder, Colorado, who are eyeing the opportunity to host this celebrated event starting from 2027.
Governor Cox encapsulated the local ethos, stating, “Sundance is Utah, and Utah is Sundance. You can’t really separate those two.” This statement reflects the festival's integration into Utah's cultural and communal identity.
Festival Director Eugene Hernandez mentioned that decisions regarding the festival's future location are still pending, with an official announcement expected by early spring. Meanwhile, other states are intensifying their efforts: Colorado is planning legislation that could provide up to $34 million in tax incentives to attract film festivals like Sundance through 2036, alongside $1.5 million already offered. Cincinnati, not to be outdone, has earmarked $2.5 million in attempts to draw the festival to Ohio.
Despite these generous offers, money may not be the sole factor influencing Sundance's decision. Concerns about Park City’s small-town exclusivity have raised discussions about the festival finding a new home that promises broader accessibility and affordability for all indie film enthusiasts, extending beyond the affluent. Counterarguments suggest that moving away from Park City could erode Sundance's essence. Regular attendees like Roger and Carin Ehrenberg fear losing the festival’s magic outside of Utah’s serene mountain backdrop. Their emotional ties underscore Sundance's unique appeal, with Carin stating, “For us, it’ll lose its appeal.”
Dr. Rhonda Taubin, a fervent advocate for the festival's Utah roots and a local resident, has spearheaded community campaigns, distributing thousands of “Keep Sundance in Utah” and “NOhio for Sundance” stickers. Her efforts reflect a community deeply entwined with the festival, transcending personal connections to films.
The former festival director John Cooper emphasizes that logical upgrades in transportation between Park City and Salt Lake City and more affordable lodging would significantly enhance the festival’s viability in Utah. These adaptations would honor co-founder Robert Redford’s vision and maintain the festival's legacy. Cooper elaborates, “The mountains of Utah, this was his vision. It’s weird to say ‘Sundance in Ohio.’” Yet, he also concedes that Sundance’s positive community impact could flourish elsewhere if necessary.
This debate extends to the heart of independent cinema, attracting opinions from actors and industry insiders. While actors like Elijah Wood root for Park City, recognizing its integral role in the festival’s DNA, others like Tessa Thompson see potential in a new location. Thompson asserts, “I think that Sundance has more to do with the spirit and community, and I think that's evergreen.”
As the decision looms, one thing is clear: the future location of the Sundance Film Festival will significantly impact its identity and the community it chooses to call home. Whether it stays nestled within Utah's mountains or adventures into new territories, Sundance’s legacy of fostering independent film continues to shine bright.