The Sundance Institute on Friday announced six finalists in its search for a new host location for the influential film festival. After 40 years in Park City, Utah, the festival is eyeing locations across the country for festivals starting in 2027 when its existing contract will be up for renewal.

The city of Atlanta has officially entered the race to be considered as the new host of the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027.

After roughly 40 years in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is looking for a new home – and Atlanta might be in the running. 

The 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival included a satisfying mix of independent film stalwarts like Steven Soderbergh and Richard Linklater — plus plenty of bold new voices, too.

"You won't see us being too nostalgic ..." says festival director Eugene Hernandez. "The best way to honor the history of Sundance and the history of independent storytelling is by looking ahead."

The Sundance Film Festival returned in-person to Park City, Utah, this year, and with more submissions than ever. NPR's Aisha Harris screened nearly 20 films — these are her favorites.

The film festival went largely online during the pandemic. There were more than 16,000 submissions this year, and nearly half of the films featured are made by first-time filmmakers.