Sundance reveals three finalists to host festival starting in 2027

What they're saying: In a statement, the festival's director and head of public programming Eugene Hernandez said each city showed "great promise and potential."

• "Each has shown us the blend of exciting possibilities, values, and logistics needed to produce a vibrant, inviting, and inclusive festival," Hernandez said.
• Other contenders announced in July — Atlanta; Louisville, Kentucky and Santa Fe, New Mexico — were dropped from the running.

Catch up quick: Sundance organizers in April announced they were exploring other U.S. cities to potentially host the independent film festival outside of Salt Lake City and Park City, where it's been held for the past four decades.

Context: Thursday's announcement comes shortly after Sundance organizers traveled to the bidding cities over the summer.

• The selection committee conducted a site inspection in Utah in August.

• Utah's pitch includes "preserving the legacy of the Park City experience while expanding the Salt Lake City footprint," according to the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity.

Zoom in: "With our extensive event infrastructure, world-class venues, and warm hospitality, we're ready to help Sundance shine on the global stage," according to a joint statement from Salt Lake City, Park City and Salt Lake County Mayors Erin Mendenhall, Nann Worel and Jenny Wilson.

What's next: The winning bid is expected to be announced after the 2025 festival which runs Jan. 23–Feb. 2.