The City of Atlanta is boosting its arts and culture scene with a bold move to snatch the Sundance Film Festival from the snowy peaks of Park City, Utah. On Monday, officials confirmed to WABE that Atlanta has thrown its hat in the ring to play host to the renowned film festival starting in 2027. As part of the proposal, the city is not just bringing its A-game but also dangling a $2 million carrot to sweeten the deal.
Aiming to capitalize on its moniker as the "Hollywood of the South," Atlanta's proposal promises a plethora of perks like diverse neighborhoods and a booming film production sphere. "We are honored that Atlanta is being considered as a potential host for the Sundance Film Festival in 2027 and beyond," Mayor Andre Dickens extolled. Mayor Dickens emphasized Atlanta's blend of film, diversity, and economic opportunities in a statement obtained by WABE, saying, "We’re ready to show the Sundance Institute that Atlanta is the place where opportunities are endless, and Sundance can continue to shine."
While Atlanta may be the city pulling out all the stops, it's not the lone Georgia contender: Savannah and Athens have also pitched their visions to become the new Sundance hotspots. Atlanta's charm offensive included boasting about the city being a film production hub, rich with cultural centers and viable event capabilities—all strategically highlighted in the city's bid, according to WABE.
It's noteworthy, however, that the Peach State is just part of a larger national competition. There are a total of 15 cities across the U.S. that have submitted their gimme-your-best-shot proposals. With films like "The Birth of a Nation," "The Fundamentals of Caring," and "Alice" already under Georgia's belt, the state is hoping to lay out the red carpet for more indie flicks and cinematic triumphs. Sundance decision-makers are slated to pick their new venue somewhere between this year and early 2025, as reported by WABE.
