Cincinnati is one of three finalists to become the home of the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027.
The event’s operator, the Sundance Institute, selected Cincinnati from a short-listed group of six cities or regions from around the United States. Boulder, Colorado, and Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah, are moving forward in the process as well.
“We are ecstatic to remain in consideration as the next host city for the Sundance Film Festival,” Kristen Schlotman, president/CEO of Film Cincinnati. Film Cincinnati led the Queen City’s bid along with a cross sector of leaders from the arts, corporate, civic and film communities.
Cincinnati submitted its bid this spring. Sundance Institute invited the region to host a site visit for members of the selection committee in July.
“As long-time attendees, we believe Cincinnati offers a unique and opportune environment for the festival’s future,” Schlotman said. “We are enthusiastic about the prospect of partnering with the Sundance Institute to honor the festival’s esteemed legacy while creating a new and exciting environment that is walkable, equitable and accessible for all.”
A potential economic boon for Greater Cincinnati
Robert Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978, with its headquarters in Park City. Over the five decades the event has grown into the premiere showcase for independent films and filmmakers from around the world.
In 2023, Sundance Film Festival in Park City generated $118.3 million in the state’s gross domestic product, according to the film festival’s economic study. That includes $63 million in wages, $13 million in state and local tax revenue and 1,608 jobs for locals.
Almost 87,000 attended the 2023 event.
Sundance Institute decided to explore other locations to help grow the event. However, it left open the possibility of returning to Park City and the broader area of Salt Lake City.
As part of its bid, Film Cincinnati and its partners highlighted Greater Cincinnati’s regional commitment to arts and culture. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval stressed that the city’s “world-class theaters, art galleries and rich cinematic history” offer both filmmakers and audiences an unforgettable experience.
Over the last few years, the region has invested more than $750 million in capital projects for cultural institutions, and ArtsWave’s 2024 community campaign raised a record $12.5 million, making it the largest campaign for the arts in the country.
“Cincinnati’s commitment to the arts and our renowned hospitality makes us the ideal destination for this prestigious event,” Pureval said.
Discover more from Movers & Makers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.