ATLANTA — Cinephiles in Atlanta are likely to exhale a sigh of disappointment today with the announcement that the city is officially out of the running for hosting the Sundance Film Festival in 2027.
Back in July, Atlanta ranked among the top six spots as a host city finalist, according to organizers.
Only three of those six cities have now advanced to the final round:
- Boulder, Colorado
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah
According to a statement from the Sundance Institue, "all three finalists were assessed on ethos and equity values, infrastructure, and capabilities to host the Festival, in addition to demonstrating ways in which they will continue to foster the diverse Sundance community and inspire the next generation of independent filmmakers."
The January film festival has long been a launching pad for independent filmmakers and has supported the early careers of artists such as Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino and more.
Festival winners often become some of the year’s most acclaimed films. Last year’s festival produced Celine Song’s “Past Lives,” nominated for best picture and best screenplay. Other Sundance titles to reach the Oscars include 2022 best picture winner "CODA," “Summer Of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” and “Minari.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.