Cincinnati Loses Out on Hosting Sundance Film Festival

Cincinnati will not be the new home of the Sundance Film Festival, according to a recent statement from the president of Film Cincinnati, Kristen Schlotman. While excitement was palpable over the city's potential selection, Schlotman's remarks confirm that the festival officials have decided against moving the iconic event to the Queen City.

In her statement released on Thursday, Schlotman expressed pride in Cincinnati's ability to showcase its dynamic role in the film industry. Despite being one of the three finalists—alongside Park City/Salt Lake City and Boulder, Colorado—Cincinnati was ultimately not chosen. Sundance officials have yet to announce their final decision regarding the festival's future location, which is anticipated at 2 p.m. today.

The search for a new host city was sparked last April, as the contract with Park City, where the festival has been held since 1981, is set to expire in 2026. Factors such as accessibility and sustainability were highlighted as key reasons for the relocation, with Sundance Institute CEO Amanda Kelso emphasizing the rising costs of hosting the festival in a mountain resort town.

Moreover, Cincinnati officials had committed to a significant investment of $2.5 million in their bid to attract the renowned event. The city boasts a rich history of being a location for major film productions, with notable movies such as "Rain Man," "The Ides of March," and "Superman" having films shot there. The local passionate arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and walkable downtown were also showcased in support of the bid.

However, concerns were raised regarding the festival’s established brand as a ski town, along with a perception that Ohio's current political landscape, dominated by Republican leadership, could pose challenges for the city.

Despite not winning the bid, Cincinnati's Mayor Aftab Pureval attended this year's festival, showcasing the city's charm and commitment to becoming a key player in the film industry.

What exactly is the Sundance Film Festival?

Regarded as the largest independent film festival in the United States, it was founded in 1978 by actor and director Robert Redford. Initially held in Salt Lake City, the event moved to Park City three years later and saw its operations taken over by Redford’s Sundance Institute in 1985. Over the decades, it has evolved into a prestigious gathering that attracts celebrities and filmmakers alike, making it a springboard for independent cinema.

The festival was bustling this year, showcasing a notable attendance of stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Ayo Edebiri, Bowen Yang, Dylan O'Brien, and Lauren Graham. While the exact numbers for this year's attendance are not yet available, the festival saw a record of over 140,000 tickets sold in the previous year.

Cincinnati may not have secured the Sundance Film Festival, but its ambitions to establish a stronger presence in the film industry remain steadfast. As the city casts its gaze towards future opportunities, the discussions surrounding hosting renowned events continue, offering hope that Cincinnati will one day become a significant hub for filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts alike.