Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson Speaks Out on Sundance Festival’s Future
A Deep Connection to Sundance
Jenny Wilson, the Mayor of Salt Lake County, has roots that run deep in the Sundance Institute. As one of the original employees, she witnessed firsthand the evolution of the film festival since its inception by cinematic legend Robert Redford in the 1980s. Wilson, a filmmaker herself, has seen the festival burgeon into a globally recognized celebration of independent storytelling with films like “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Memento,” and “Napoleon Dynamite.”
Reflecting on the festival’s early days, Wilson noted, “There was a sense that they needed to sort of pull back from what became quite crazy, especially in Park City regarding celebrities and parties.” This pivotal moment in the festival’s history marked a conscious effort by the organization to return to its core mission: fostering independent storytelling and filmmaking.
The Impact of COVID-19
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on both the Sundance Institute and the film industry as a whole. Wilson commented, “As we drift further away from Sundance’s foundation nearly 50 years ago, there’s less direct involvement from some of the initial creators who helped establish this dynamic organization.”
The Move to Find a New Home
In a surprising announcement last year, Sundance disclosed its consideration to leave Park City due to high costs and accessibility challenges associated with hosting a large event in such a ski-centric locale. By launching a request for proposals (RFP), Sundance aimed to attract bids from cities that could become the film festival’s new home starting in 2027.
The institute ultimately narrowed its search to three finalists, including a revised Utah bid. Last week, however, it was revealed that Sundance would be relocating to Boulder, Colorado, after one final festival in Park City. This decision follows Colorado lawmakers’ approval of a substantial $34 million tax credit package over the next ten years for the festival.
Utah’s Bid: A Noble Effort
Utah’s bid was robust, offering more than $12 million in cash and in-kind contributions annually to keep Sundance in the state. Despite this, Wilson pointed out that Colorado’s financial proposal was front-loaded with guaranteed funding, making it more enticing for the festival.
As a passionate advocate for Utah’s film scene, Wilson expressed pride in the efforts put forth to retain Sundance. Still, she felt the organization should have explored alternative avenues to ensure a more sustainable annual event. “Nonprofits like Sundance must evolve in response to the new normal post-COVID.” she said. “We must ask ourselves—what can we do differently? Is 10 days the right length for the festival?”
A Shift in Priorities
As someone who has worked within Sundance, Wilson described the RFP process as “ill-advised.” She perceived it as the organization leaning more toward a commercial business mindset rather than an arts nonprofit ethos. “It was clear—they were courting money. They were looking at other cities and continually asking us, ‘How much more can you contribute?’”
Park City Chamber CEO, Jennifer Wesselhoff, noted that the politically charged climate in Utah, particularly surrounding issues such as the new law banning Pride flags in schools, lingered as a backdrop in discussions leading up to Sundance’s final decision.
Politics and Perception
In Wilson’s view, conservative politics in Utah may have clouded the Sundance board’s judgment. “It felt as though some board members held a bias against Utah and its politics, which led to a curt rejection of all the state has invested over the years to build the festival.”
Ironically, Sundance is more than just a film festival; for many, it is a catalyst for change. “I’ve spoken to many individuals whose lives were profoundly impacted by films from Sundance,” Wilson reflected. “I truly believe that we wield more power in a state like Utah, perhaps even more than in Colorado.”
Looking Ahead
Governor Spencer Cox announced plans to establish a new local film festival in response to Sundance’s departure, a move that Wilson suggested could be well-intentioned but ultimately insufficient. “Organic growth is essential for our film community; the path forward must be community-driven, not dictated by government mandates.”
As she considers the upcoming changes, Wilson is optimistic about the future of Utah’s film ecosystem. Citing ongoing redevelopment efforts in downtown Salt Lake City and the return of the Winter Olympics in 2034, she reassured, “I’m not worried about the economic impact of Sundance’s departure. We are capable of nurturing a vibrant film scene here, and I’d gladly contribute to that endeavor.”
The Final Hurrah
With the last Sundance Film Festival in Utah scheduled from January 22 to February 1, 2026, residents and filmmakers alike look forward to a fitting farewell to a festival that has profoundly shaped the narrative of independent cinema in America.
For those interested in the latest trends in the film industry or economic development, stay tuned to our coverage as we continue to explore the evolving landscape post-Sundance. Engage with us as we delve deeper into the stories that matter.
