Atlanta, Savannah vie to host Sundance Film Festival

What they're saying: Savannah Mayor Van Johnson told WTOC News that Savannah wants to host the Grammys, the Oscars, the BET Hip Hop Awards, and Sundance.

Catch up quick: The annual event, founded by Robert Redford, has been held in Park City, Utah for the last four decades.

• Sundance Institute announced last month it would accept bids from cities interested in becoming the new host, but it's not guaranteed the festival will relocate.

By the numbers: Last year's Sundance event drew nearly 87,000 in-person attendees, with out-of-state visitors spending about $97 million in Utah during the festival, according to a report from Y2 Analytics.

What's next: Plaza and Tara cinemas owner Christopher Escobar says Sundance will tell cities on May 6 if they've made the first cut. The cities then have until June 21 to submit their bid.

• A site location is expected to be announced at year's end or early 2025.