Enchantment State News

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Film Office has announced that Santa Fe is a finalist city under consideration by the Sundance Institute as a potential new home for the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027.

“This is exciting news and a tremendous opportunity to showcase Santa Fe’s vibrant cultural scene, stunning landscapes and thriving film industry,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Santa Fe is perfectly suited to host the legendary Sundance Film Festival and you can bet that my administration will work as hard as possible to make that a reality.”

Santa Fe has a long history of supporting independent filmmakers, with venues ranging from historic theaters to innovative cultural centers providing platforms for showcasing independent cinema. Additionally, the city's hospitality industry and growing international reputation enhance its appeal as a destination for the festival.

“Santa Fe and the Sundance Film Festival have long shared a deep appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and artistic expression,” stated Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber. “From our rich cultural heritage and thriving artist communities to the innovative voices championed at Sundance, there’s a natural synergy between our values. We believe that Santa Fe would provide a welcoming and inspiring platform for the stories and filmmakers that Sundance celebrates.”

The Sundance Film Festival is known for being a cornerstone of the independent film industry, providing exposure for emerging voices and groundbreaking stories. Santa Fe's unique blend of artistic energy, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere is seen as conducive to fostering the festival’s future success.

New Mexico’s film industry has already seen significant growth, attracting major productions due to its landscapes, skilled crews, and competitive incentives. Hosting the Sundance Film Festival in Santa Fe would further elevate this success by showcasing New Mexico's attributes to an international audience of filmmakers, distributors, and movie enthusiasts.

The Sundance Institute is expected to make its decision on a new host city in the coming months. Santa Fe anticipates the possibility of welcoming the Sundance Film Festival community.