Local News
By Luca Filigenzi, Local News Editor
For the past 46 years, the Sundance Film Festival has been the main event for independent films looking to grab the attention of the mainstream filmgoing audience. It’s helped launch the careers of famous filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, James Wan, Damien Chazelle, and Robert Rodriguez. Its next venue may just be the Queen City herself.
The festival first premiered in 1978, founded by Robert Redford’s company, WildWood Enterprises. It was created for the express purpose of highlighting the importance of independent film, and film as a medium of art. Many critically acclaimed films of the last few years were first screened at the festival. Precious (2009), Whiplash (2014), Minari (2020), and CODA (2021) which all premiered at Sundance, went on to win Oscars.
Since its inception, it’s been held in Utah, in cities like Salt Lake City and Park City,, but now Cinncinati is a contender to become the future home of Sundance. As the festival looks to relocate beginning in 2027.
A delegation from Cinncinati is attending Sundance 2025, including Mayor Aftab Pureval and Cinncinati Film President Kristen Schlotman.
Famous Director, Quentin Tarantino, who premiered some of his films at Sundance
“You know, if we get this, we turn into one of the hubs of international filmmaking in the entire world overnight,” said Pureval. “And that is consistent with our long history of investing in the arts.”
There are some competitors to host the festival though. Park City (the current host) and Boulder, Colorado are the two other finalists for Sundance 2027.
Some students at Xavier University have also expressed interest. Sophomore DIFT(Digital Innovation Film and Television) Major Parker Smith, when asked about Sundance, stated
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity,” he said. “Not just for DIFT majors but for all indie filmmakers in Ohio,.”
Local businesses and entrepreneurs have already pledged $2.5 million for Sundance, expecting the fame and draw of the film festival to overall be a net positive for the city’s economy. Revenue would be raised in the form of taxes, wages for local employees, tourism and housing. In 2020, Sundance saw roughly $150 million dollars in contributions to the local economy, a prize the three finalists will have to compete for.
