EXCLUSIVE: Get ready for some exciting news amidst all the strike rumors and Emmy nominations. We’ve recently heard a wild rumor that the Sundance Film Festival is considering a change of location from its beloved Park City, UT home base. Sources reveal that the festival has been receiving bids from several cities vying to host future editions of this iconic indie film festival and market. While Sundance has a contract with Park City city hall until 2026, they are exploring the possibility of a new host city. One of the cities in the mix is Santa Fe, New Mexico.
But hold on, a Sundance representative clarifies, “The Festival is based in Utah, and we are not exploring new locations. We look forward to everyone joining us there for our 40th edition, January 18-28 at the Festival.”
However, insiders at Sundance have been discussing the idea of hosting another Sundance Lab in a different city. The Sundance Resort, where one of the labs takes place, is about to undergo construction. These labs are year-round programs where aspiring filmmakers develop their projects. The Sundance Institute runs these labs in various locations, including Utah, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Los Angeles, Texas, Wyoming, and even internationally and online.
“One of our primary locations is undergoing construction, so we are exploring alternatives for where the in-person elements of some of our labs can take place should the construction be an issue,” adds the festival representative.
The Sundance Resort, sold by Redford in 2020, has undergone extensive renovations under its new owners. With more renovations planned, including the construction of a new lodging inn closer to the ski lifts, the areas where some of the Sundance Labs have been held for years could be affected.
Santa Fe has already established itself as a major hub for Hollywood productions, with notable projects like Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and the movie Prey. Last year, the now Netflix-owned Albuquerque Studios began a significant expansion. Santa Fe boasts several cinemas, including the Jean Cocteau Cinema, Lensic historic theater, Violet Crown multiplex, CCA, and Regal Santa Fe Place. However, additional screens would be necessary to accommodate the demands of a festival that attracts over 86,000 attendees. In 2022, the entertainment industry contributed a record-breaking $855.4 million to the state of New Mexico, a 36% increase from the previous year.
So, will Sundance make the move to Santa Fe or another city? Stay tuned for more updates.
