Hotlanta could soon be heating up the independent film scene, as it enters the race to host the renowned Sundance Film Festival. Chris Escobar, the executive director of the Atlanta Film Society, lit the fuse on Sunday with confirmation that Atlanta is throwing its hat in the ring for hosting rights starting in 2027. In an exclusive scoop by Atlanta News First, Escobar revealed the city's ambitions to take over from the traditional snow-dusted locales of Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Sundance Institute, the guiding hand behind the festival, reportedly commenced an exploratory mission earlier this month to investigate potential U.S. cities as their new festival locale. The contract for the current Utah venues runs dry in 2027, putting Park City's 40-year relationship with the event on the chopping block. The vibrant Southern metropolis has already begun participation in the preliminary step of Sundance’s request for information (RFI) process, according to Escobar, in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. "Yes, I can confirm that," he told the network. "We’re in the preliminary step of Sundance’s RFI process before we know if Atlanta is chosen to go on to the RFP process."
Sundance isn't just any festival—it's the heavyweight champion of the indie film circuit. It draws talent and tourists like moths to a flame with over 86,000 attendees last year alone, contributing a cool $97 million to Utah's coffers. Atlanta, with its robust film production ecosystem and cultural vibrancy, could make for an exciting new chapter in the festival's narrative. "We are in a unique moment for our Festival and our global film community," Eugene Hernandez, the festival’s director, said in a move that signals both reflection and renaissance for the storied event.
Don't throw out your ski gear just yet, though. Park City has until October 2024 to renew its vows with Sundance, and the next festivals for 2025 and 2026 are still slated for the Utah city that has become synonymous with Robert Redford's cinematic baby. Meanwhile, Atlanta plays the waiting game, with the city's chances riding on a compelling pitch to the Sundance organizers. "We want to ensure that the Festival continues to thrive culturally, operationally, and financially as it has for four decades," Hernandez mentioned in his statement about the festival's future. As it goes, the final decision is set to drop by early 2025.
In the meantime, Atlanta isn't just sitting pretty; it's in full festival mode, hosting its own Atlanta Film Festival, which is currently underway and will wrap up on May 5, as reported by Atlanta News First. Whether Sundance's indie spirit will hitch a ride to the peach state remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure—Atlanta's film ambitions are ready for their close-up.
