May 9th 2024.
Atlanta has thrown its hat into the ring to become the next official host of the highly coveted Sundance Film Festival. According to a report by Fox 5 Atlanta, the bustling "Hollywood of the South" is among the top contenders vying to host the largest annual film festival in the nation. Other cities in the running include San Francisco, upstate New York, and Savannah, Georgia.
The appeal of Atlanta as a potential host is clear, with its rapidly evolving infrastructure and vibrant entertainment scene. In fact, it may just be the perfect location for the festival to call home after it leaves its current location in Park City, Utah in 2027. "Atlanta has become an integral part of the Hollywood story, both economically and culturally. It's also evident that this city is one of the cultural hubs of the United States," remarked Deadline Executive Editor Dominic Patten.
Patten goes on to explain that unlike other cities vying for the opportunity to host Sundance, Atlanta has all the necessary components in place. From ample theaters and screens to plenty of hotel accommodations and a bustling airport, Atlanta has it all. This makes it a strong candidate to take on the prestigious role of hosting the Sundance Film Festival.
Since its inception in 1985, the Sundance Film Festival has grown in prominence and recognition. Always held in Park City, Utah, the festival has become a major boost to the local economy, bringing in a whopping $118 million in revenue. Last year's festival saw nearly 140,000 tickets sold and over 20,000 attendees from all around the world.
For independent and aspiring filmmakers, the annual festival is a crucial event. Many films are premiered at Sundance before their official release in theaters later in the year. And with the festival's popularity and reach, being selected as the host city would be a huge opportunity for any city.
Cities across the country can start submitting their proposals to host Sundance on June 27, with the hope of being selected as the festival's new home in 2027. The chosen city will not only reap the financial benefits of hosting the festival, but also the prestige and recognition that comes along with it. As Patten puts it, "You're not just looking at the increased business for restaurants and hotels, but also the status that comes with hosting such a renowned event."
However, there are some doubts and skepticism surrounding the possibility of Sundance leaving Park City. Some believe that the city will do everything in its power to keep the festival from leaving, potentially using this bidding process as a way to negotiate a better contract when it comes time for renewal in 2026. "Unlike other world-renowned events like the Olympics, Super Bowl, and World Cup, the Sundance Film Festival has a strong historical and cultural connection to its location. It has become a cornerstone of the festival's legacy," says Director Raymond Wood, whose film Faceless After Dark recently premiered at the Atlanta Film Festival.
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