SAN FRANCISCO – The Sundance Institute is considering a relocation after its current partnership with Park City, Utah, expires in 2026. The city of San Francisco will apply to be the new host.
Moviegoer and publicist Karen Larsen says she's not sure it's a good idea.
“I think San Francisco already has too many festivals,” Larsen said. “There is a festival for everything here, including dogs.”
The Sundance Institute opened a “request for information” this month, inviting cities to submit proposals explaining why they should host the festival starting in 2027.
San Francisco is expected to be one of many cities bidding for the role, but Larsen believes Park City is part of the festival's appeal.
“I thought it was strange because Sundance was founded in Utah. That was the whole point. It was a destination festival like Telluride, so it was kind of surprising news,” Larsen said.
She understands why they might consider other options. She used to attend Sundance, but hasn't been there in recent years.
“It’s really cold, really difficult to get around,” Larsen said. “It’s hard to work there.”
She admitted that San Francisco would have nicer weather and more hotels available for the festival.
Suzanne Pfeifer waited in line to see one of the films at the San Francisco International Film Festival. She says she has conflicting opinions.
“I think it would be wonderful. I just don’t want it to have a negative impact on the San Francisco Film Festival,” Pfeifer said. “But if it’s a different time of year, I think it would work well here. This festival sells out every year.”
In a statement, Gloria Chan of the SF Office of Economic and Workforce Development said, “The city can confirm that we will comply with the RFI (Request For Information) proposal. San Francisco is a center for artistic expression that offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, providing filmmakers and visitors with an unparalleled setting with the infrastructure and amenities to immerse themselves in the magic of cinema. From our bustling neighborhoods to the tranquil shores of the bay, every corner of the city pulses with energy and inspiration, capturing the imaginations of storytellers and audiences alike.
“San Francisco is one of the most cinematic cities in the world – one that showcases independent and innovative storytelling, cultural vibrancy and creativity from filmmakers like Joe Talbot (The Last Black Man of San Francisco), Marielle Heller (The Diary of a “Teenager Girl”) and Barry Jenkins (Medicine for Melancholy),” Chan said. “San Francisco is the perfect backdrop for the Sundance Film Festival and has a rich history of celebrating the groundbreaking works of independent filmmakers from around the world.”
Many films had their world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, which usually takes place in January. They then attend other festivals later in the year.
Larsen says if Sundance actually came to SF, she thinks it would impact the festivals already happening here.
“Like this festival, the Asian Film Festival, which is happening in two weeks, all the films will be picked up at Sundance,” Larsen noted.
The Sundance Institute continues to collect proposals through May 1.
The final location is expected to be announced in late 2024 or early 2025.
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