Thursday, April 18, 2024
Sundance Institute starts an RFI/RFP to find new host cities for its 2027 Sundance Film Festival, exploring venues to expand and enrich the event.
The Sundance Institute today declared the initiation of a Request for Information (RFI), which will open on April 17 and close on May 1, to be followed by a Request for Proposal (RFP) aimed at identifying potential new U.S. locations for hosting the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027.
The Festival, overseen by the nonprofit, stands as the premier event for innovative storytellers and audiences eager for novel viewpoints and emerging voices in independent cinema. This year, the Festival received an unprecedented 17,000 submissions from 153 nations, highlighting the robust energy within the independent film sector and the community’s enthusiasm for launching and showcasing films at Sundance. The 2025 and 2026 editions of the Festival will remain in partnership with Park City and the state of Utah, with events scheduled in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 23 to February 2, 2025.
Having enriched Park City and Utah for over four decades, the Sundance Film Festival shares a deep-rooted cultural bond with the state, a relationship that has profoundly shaped the Festival’s identity.
As the existing contract with Park City is set to expire in 2027, the upcoming RFI/RFP process will enable the Institute to assess and expand upon its base to create a more accessible Festival experience. The Institute is committed to ensuring that inclusivity and sustainability are prioritized, all while maintaining the Festival’s core mission of fostering independent storytellers and exposing their work to new audiences.
The RFI marks the initial phase in an extensive selection procedure aimed at collating vital logistical data from prospective hosts within the U.S., including Utah, due to its longstanding ties with the Festival.
“We are in a unique moment for our Festival and our global film community, and with the
contract up for renewal, this exploration allows us to responsibly consider how we best continue
sustainably serving our community while maintaining the essence of the Festival experience,”
said Eugene Hernandez, Director, Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming. “We
are looking forward to conversations that center supporting artists and serving audiences as part of our mission and work at Sundance Institute, and are motivated by our commitment to
ensure that the Festival continues to thrive culturally, operationally, and financially as it has for
four decades.”
In response to the evolving nature of film festivals and the dynamic realm of independent cinema, the RFI will seek out new opportunities to uplift artists and create environments that embody the Festival’s commitment to inclusivity, racial equity, and accessibility for all participants including artists, audiences, staff, and volunteers. Sundance remains dedicated to fostering a culture of independent creativity and a welcoming community that embraces diverse perspectives and beliefs.
Following the RFI, the Sundance Institute will inform the cities chosen to proceed to the RFP stage, where they will further evaluate specific proposals.
The Sundance Film Festival, established by Robert Redford, has long been a vital platform for independent filmmakers and storytellers, offering a unique space that not only introduces but also transforms the careers of creative talents. Every January, it provides audiences with a first look at groundbreaking works and emerging talents poised to influence the cultural dialogue for years to come.
“Park City has been our home for more than 40 years, together with the state of Utah, and
Sundance cherishes and respects our history and partnership. We are thrilled with the vitality we
see in independent filmmaking and want to assure the continuous discovery and support of
independent artists and audiences our Festival is known for,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance
Institute Board Chair. “We look forward to reviewing each proposal and working together with
all of our potential collaborators to determine how we can collectively meet the needs of the
independent film ecosystem and broader creative community.”
By participating in this RFI and RFP, respondents agree to a framework that reflects the cooperative nature and responsibilities expected of potential host cities, anticipating that, if chosen, their commitments will extend beyond 2027 through agreements with the Sundance Institute. Throughout the RFI process, the Institute will focus on conducting a thorough and equitable evaluation of all candidates, withholding comments until the subsequent phase of the process this summer.
Submissions for proposals can be directed to [email protected], with the RFI concluding on May 1, 2024.
Photo Credit: Sundance Film Festival
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
