SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The City of Santa Fe was named a finalist to host the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival.
“Santa Fe and the Sundance Film Festival have long shared a deep appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and artistic expression,” Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber stated in a news release. “From our rich cultural heritage and thriving artist communities to the innovative voices championed at Sundance, there’s a natural synergy between our values. We believe that Santa Fe would provide a welcoming and inspiring platform for the stories and filmmakers that Sundance celebrates.”
The Sundance Film Festival focuses on the independent film industry and the program includes dramatic and documentary features, short films, and episodic content. The festival also hosts daily filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, and other events, according to the festival’s website.
The nonprofit Sundance Institute announced the six potential host cities on Friday. Other locations in the running include Atlanta, Cincinnati, Boulder, Colo., and Louisville, Ky. There is also a chance that the festival will remain in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, which has hosted the event for more than 40 years.
“For over 40 years, Sundance has supported, sustained, and helped shine an essential spotlight on independent filmmakers and their work. As we very carefully consider this important decision for our Festival, we believe these six finalists allow us the best opportunity to not only secure a sustainable future for our Festival, but also to build upon its legacy while continuing to support the next generation of storytellers and highlight bold new works of art,” Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair, and Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute Acting CEO stated in a release.
The Sundance Film Festival will take place in Park City and Salt Lake City in 2025 and 2026 and historically has brought together thousands of people The festival will move to a new city in 2027. Members of the Sundance Institute selection committee will visit each of the finalist cities in the coming weeks and a decision on the new location is expected this year.