Utah leaders issued a joint message to The Sundance Institute on Monday urging the Institute to keep Sundance Film Festival returning to Utah.
“As the 41st Sundance Film Festival comes to a close, we celebrate your incredible work, express our gratitude, and share our deep appreciation for what Sundance means to the state of Utah,” the message begins.
The message was signed by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Utah first lady Abby Cox, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, Park City Mayor Nann Worel, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and dozens more Utah leaders.
The message continues, “Sundance is much more than an economic impact or a bump in tourism. For us, it’s about the art of film.”
“Sundance Institute is a critical thread in the artistic fabric of our state, and your groundbreaking work has had widespread impacts on the people who live here. You are a powerful force, fostering community and understanding.”
“We’re ready to support and partner with you — for the next 40 years and beyond."
In April, Sundance Institute opened a Request for Proposal as part of a process to explore locations across the country to host the film festival.
The festival’s contract with Park City is up for renewal in 2027, which provided Sundance Institute with the opportunity to consider new host cities for future festivals.
Utah is among three finalists selected by Sundance Film Institute to host the festival beginning in 2027, as previously reported by the Deseret News. In addition to Park City, Sundance Film Institute is considering Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio, as future host cities.
A final decision is expected to be announced in late winter or early spring, as previously reported by the Deseret News.
Gov. Cox has repeatedly affirmed keeping Sundance Film Festival in Utah is an issue he cares “deeply” about.
“I care deeply about Sundance,” Cox said at a press conference in January, as previously reported by The Deseret News. “I care deeply the people that are involved with Sundance, many of them are dear friends and and people that we’ve worked with closely over many years.”
“So to our friends at Sundance, who are probably watching and listening this — this is your home, and we desperately hope it will be your home for forever.”
In September, Cox said his conversations with The Sundance Institute had been “incredibly positive,” and he felt “optimistic” about the festival’s future with Utah, per The Deseret News.