The film festival’s nonprofit division announced the finalists on Friday. Other cities include Boulder, Colorado; Cincinnati; Louisville, Kentucky; Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah; and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The selected city will host the festival starting in 2027.
“Atlanta is a diverse city of creators, thinkers, artists and storytellers who align with the core values ​​of the Sundance Film Festival and want to add Atlanta to the legacy of Sundance,” Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “As we move through this process, we will continue to shine a light on Atlanta’s arts, culture and unique attributes in hopes of winning the opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of Sundance filmmakers and attendees.”
The request for proposal (RFP) process for interested host cities began in May and closed at the end of June.
In evaluating each potential venue, the Sundance Institute evaluated each city’s infrastructure, ethics and equity values, event capabilities to host the festival, and how each finalist can provide sustainable service and support to Sundance’s community of artists and audiences. Members of the Sundance Institute selection committee will visit each of the finalist cities in the coming weeks.
Atlanta announced last month that it would provide $2 million in support and unspecified incentives to the festival.
Other operating cities have promised incentives. Colorado’s Economic Development Commission approved $1.5 million in incentives as part of the state’s proposal.
Atlanta’s proposal is available for viewing On a public website, highlighting Atlanta’s transportation network, particularly Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and MARTA. It goes into feature The city’s numerous hotels and short-term rental options, arts institutions such as the Fox Theater and Woodruff Arts Center, and Atlanta’s ongoing film festivals. Also selling is Atlanta’s newly minted status as a dining destination in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
The website draws attention to efforts within the business community to accelerate the city’s diversity and racial equity. Also included are details on Atlanta’s climate action, Such as its commitment to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 and convert city-owned and operated buildings to 100% clean energy over the next 11 years.
The project also creates a potential central hub for festival organizers, covering 2.5 miles and covering three neighborhoods: Ponzi-Highlands, Sweet Auburn and Little Five Points. About a dozen movie screens and more than 200 restaurants, bars and event venues are included in the area. Options for five-mile and 10-mile stretch centers are also included.
The city, which has hosted major events such as the 1996 Olympics and the 2019 Super Bowl, has hotel room and event space that can easily accommodate the crowd expected for Sundance.
