End of an Indie Era? Sundance Could Leave Park City as Festival Opens Bids for New Location in 2027; Utah Resort Town Vows Fight to Keep It

Writers Dominic Patten and Anthony D’Alessandro report that the Sundance Film Festival’s contract with Park City expires after the 2026 festival and they will consider bids from potential new locations as well as an offer from the incumbent location. Patten and D’Alessandro detail the process for the Request for Information (April 17th to May 1st) and the Request for Proposal (May 7th to June 21st). Emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability, a Sundance Film Festival Request for Information/Request for Proposal (SFF RFI/RFP) task force will make recommendations to the Sundance Institute Board for a final decision to be announced in Q4 2024-Q1 2025. Patten and D’Alessandro explore the possible reasons behind a desire to move the festival location, including finances and a chance to reinvent the image of the festival in a changing industry.