The Sundance Film Festival, vital to Park City's economy, is exploring relocation options beyond 2026, driven by declining attendance and infrastructure concerns. The pandemic has caused a 40% drop in visitors, leading many locals to voice their worries about traffic congestion while acknowledging the festival's economic impact. Cities like San Francisco, Boulder, and Cincinnati are vying to host the festival, known for propelling independent filmmakers and serving as a launchpad for indie cinema successes.
As Sundance's contract with Park City approaches expiration after the 2026 event, the festival announced that it will be taking bids for a new home for 2027.
Many locals and festival attendees posit that the reason is a mix of sagging revenue from lowered in-person attendance (which in the pandemic era has dropped about 40% since 2020), plus the strain on the mountain town's infrastructure.
The overwhelming complaint from locals is about traffic - but those interviewed also say the economic benefit outweighs a week of congested roads.
Many cities (including San Francisco) jumped at the chance to host a festival that's known for incubating young filmmakers and launching breakout indie hits.
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