Atlanta is offering itself $2 million for a new destination for the Sundance Film Festival

SALT LAKE CITY – The city of Atlanta on Monday introduced a proposal for the Sundance Institute, pegged at a $2 million grant, in hopes of persuading the Sundance Film Festival to move from Utah to Georgia.

The Sundance Institute announced in April that it would consider moving after 2026 and sought proposals from other US cities. Although no official list has been announced or confirmed by the institute so far, news has spread through the media and online.

Among the speculated cities are other rivals in Georgia, including Athens and Savannah. Deadline reported that San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Santa Fe were on the list, and Forbes even claimed there were as many as fifteen.

Although Atlanta is the first city to come up with a cash proposal and a more aggressive bid.

“We are honored that Atlanta is being considered as a potential host for the Sundance Film Festival in 2027 and beyond,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Atlanta is where the worlds of film, entertainment, economic development, diversity and inclusion meet and grow together.”

The mayor’s office said his proposal was “robust” in showcasing its “diverse neighborhoods, status as a film production center, cultural centers, event opportunities, commitment to climate action, ease of transportation, hospitality and an inclusive and equitable business environment.” ”

Since the April announcement of the possible move, Park City and other Utah cities have not been ruled out. Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce even stated that she believed Utah had an “edge.”

The reason for possible change comes after several difficult years following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sundance Institute reported several years of declining revenues even after the festival returned to full swing and dropped its hybrid model experience.

Regardless, the long-standing festival has supplemented Utah’s economy since its inception in 1981, most recently contributing $118.3 million in gross domestic product for the state.

The Sundance Institute will close the proposal phase on June 21. The institute will then take time between October and March to announce the final location for future festivals from 2027 onwards.

Contributing: Collin Leonard, KSL.com