3 Georgia cities bid to host Sundance Film Festival

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Three Georgia cities are bidding to host the Sundance Film Festival.

Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah have made the shortlist as the iconic film festival looks south for a new home in 2027.

“It’s amazing actually, to think that Sundance may be coming to Georgia,” said Lynda Lee Smith, founder of the Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia.

“This would be a huge boost to Georgia’s brand and Georgia’s economy,” said Randy Davidson, CEO of Georgia Entertainment News.

The Sundance Institute has explored switching locations after its current partnership with Park City, Utah expires in 2026.

Originally 90 cities applied to host Sundance, yet only 15 cities were picked to submit proposals to become the future festival destination.

This leaves a battle brewing between Atlanta — nicknamed the Hollywood of the South — Athens and Savannah.

“Savannah definitely has the Park City vibe, in of a contained festival,” Davidson said.

“Athens, of course, has a brand-new studio,” Lee Smith said. “They are also heavily invested in the film industry.”

Genevieve LeDoux is an Atlanta-based film producer and content creator who flew back from the Cannes Film Festival, where she says Georgia’s reputation has grown globally.

“This is a solid place on the map, a flag planted with film waving,” LeDoux said. “The fact that three cities are selected, speaks a lot to our state and what we’re doing.”

Looking ahead, hosting the Sundance Film Festival would signify a major milestone within an industry rapidly expanding throughout the Peach State.

“Georgia’s got a name in the film industry,” LeDoux concluded. “We’re continuing to rise, shine, and I can’t wait to see what we do next.”

The 15 selected cities have until June 21st to submit their pitches to host the Sundance Film Festival.

Organizers expect the overall winner to be announced at the end of the 2025 festival.

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