Utah’s Sundance Film Festival Host Committee advances in bid process for 2027 festival

Photo: TownLift

“Our shared 40-year growth and success have greatly contributed to Utah’s culture and economy and have fostered a proven partnership in the film industry. Most importantly, we believe that continuing in Utah will best assure the Sundance Film Festival's continued growth and long-term success.”

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Sundance Film Festival Host Committee, represented by the Utah Film Commission, has announced the status of their Request for Proposal (RFP) submission for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival. The committee is advancing to the next step in the selection process.

Virginia Pearce, Director of the Utah Film Commission, expressed gratitude to the Sundance Institute for allowing the committee to move forward. “The Utah Sundance Film Festival Host Committee thanks the Sundance Institute for the opportunity to proceed to the next step in their RFP process,” Pearce said. “We’re committed to collaboratively re-imagining future festivals, inspiring film enthusiasts, and preserving the Festival’s connection to its home state.”

Pearce highlighted the mutual benefits of continuing the partnership between the Sundance Film Festival and Utah, emphasizing its cultural and economic impact. “Our shared 40-year growth and success have greatly contributed to Utah’s culture and economy and have fostered a proven partnership in the film industry. Most importantly, we believe that continuing in Utah will best assure the Sundance Film Festival’s continued growth and long-term success.”

The Utah Sundance Film Festival Host Committee is composed of state and local officials, business leaders, and tourism advocates, including:

State Leadership:
– Governor Spencer Cox
– Utah Speaker of the House Mike Schultz
– Utah Senate President Stuart Adams

Local Government:
– Park City Mayor Nann Worel
– Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall
– Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson

Tourism Organizations:
– Visit Park City, Jennifer Wesselhoff
– Visit Salt Lake, Kaitlin Eskelson
– Utah Office of Tourism, Natalie Randall

Business Leaders:
– Zions Bank CEO Scott Anderson
– Larry H. Miller Company CEO Steve Starks
– University of Utah President Taylor Randall

Cultural and Community Partners:
– Summit County Council Chair Malena Stevens
– Visit Heber Valley, Dallin Koecher
– Utah Tourism Industry Association, Celina Sinclair
– Historic Park City Alliance
– Park City Lodging and Restaurant Association, Ginger Wicks
– Deer Valley Resort, Todd Bennett
– Park City Mountain Resort, Deirdra Walsh

Pearce reiterated the committee’s commitment to enhancing the festival experience while maintaining the connection to Utah’s communities. “We believe that this collaboration will continue to inspire film enthusiasts and uphold the Festival’s legacy, securing its long-term growth and success,” she stated.