March 11Mar 11 With the possibility of Sundance, I do wonder if it could be expanded to an SXSW type of event if it's here in Cincinnati. There's not much else going on in the area at that time of year and sure, it's cold but you could do a trade show at the convention center, a music festival at the billion venues we have in town, and the film festival at 2-3 of the theaters.
March 11Mar 11 Author 1 hour ago, JaceTheAce41 said: With the possibility of Sundance, I do wonder if it could be expanded to an SXSW type of event if it's here in Cincinnati. There's not much else going on in the area at that time of year and sure, it's cold but you could do a trade show at the convention center, a music festival at the billion venues we have in town, and the film festival at 2-3 of the theaters. I would think that future growth would be a big part of the selection process... Cincinnati is the Paris of America... And the Austin of the Midwest
March 11Mar 11 Fwiw the mayor was at SXSW few days back. I would think to get some ideas how to help facilitate Sundance expanding in Cincinnati.
March 11Mar 11 21 hours ago, IAGuy39 said: and also tried for the Parks. The Parks tax was a slush fund. We all should be glad it didn't pass.
March 15Mar 15 From people in the industry and various city planning departments. Sundance board has visited Cincinnati at least 8 times in the last 6 months including as soon as 2 weeks ago.The mayor meet with Sundance out in Austin this week at South by Southwest. Sundance board has not been to Boulder since August of last year.Boulder being seen as the favorite is simply not even close to being accurate. This is down to Sundance staying in Utah or making their new home in Cincinnati. And with recent Utah flag bill recently passing state legislature I sure am not seeing Utah as being the pick here.
March 25Mar 25 https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/can-cincinnati-compete-with-boulder-and-salt-lake-city-to-host-the-sundance-film-festival
March 26Mar 26 Author Speaking hypothetically, if a decision was already made and it was Cincinnati, what would be the ideal date for them to announce it (ideal for the city)? Opening Day? Taste of Cincinnati?
March 26Mar 26 Specific day who knows. Speaking hypothetically of course I think it will be very soon. Cincinnati appears to be in a good spot here If it happens a great way to start spring off for the region! Edited March 26Mar 26 by ucnum1
March 26Mar 26 I personally don't think they would pick a big event to announce it They'd probably plan a press conference for a Monday afternoon when all the electeds and business folks aren't busy. But it's anyone's guess.
March 26Mar 26 14 hours ago, CincyIntheKnow said: Speaking hypothetically, if a decision was already made and it was Cincinnati, what would be the ideal date for them to announce it (ideal for the city)? Opening Day? Taste of Cincinnati? Perhaps Friday 3/28...
March 26Mar 26 https://variety.com/2025/film/news/sundance-moving-cincinnati-festivalgoers-skeptical-1236286797/
March 26Mar 26 Author 2 hours ago, Miami-Erie said: Perhaps Friday 3/28... The day after opening day, when spring has officially started and the city is abuzz?
March 26Mar 26 Author 34 minutes ago, tonyt3524 said: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/sundance-moving-cincinnati-festivalgoers-skeptical-1236286797/ A relocation to Cincinnati feels more like a reboot/ rebrand for Sundance, than just a relocation. It seems like most people struggle with the fact that it cannot continue to be what it currently is, either financially in its current location or the stigma loss of the mountain town in Cincinnati.
March 26Mar 26 35 minutes ago, tonyt3524 said: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/sundance-moving-cincinnati-festivalgoers-skeptical-1236286797/ Found this hilarious, Is there a scene out there? Are there film lovers there? People don’t want to be honest about this, but there’s an exclusivity to Park City, and just nothing seems cool about Cincinnati.” Nah, nobody in Cincinnati has ever seen a film! Nobody even knows what a moving picture is and just discovered tin type photography!
March 26Mar 26 I've never been, but you have to admit that it would be a huge vibe shift from Park City. There would be major benefits, but it would feel less exclusive, which is why some people are there in the first place - they want to be in the scene and be noticed there. It would certainly be weird to be an annual Sundance attendee, and then go to the same event in Cincinnati. Does it kill the event's prestige? Who knows. But I agree that it sounds like they cannot survive financially in Park City, and there are indie filmmakers who cannot afford to go in the current setup.
March 26Mar 26 The quote that finishes the article ends with "What is iconic about Cincinnati?" A good question to ask but it's not what the Sundance board is asking. They're focused on the mission and the vision and growth of Sundance, not choosing the most iconic location. Park City is wonderful but it doesn't align with the Board's goals.
March 26Mar 26 2 hours ago, tonyt3524 said: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/sundance-moving-cincinnati-festivalgoers-skeptical-1236286797/ Ugh, the absolute worst in coastal elitism. Like Tao exists in Park City outside of Sundance. Oh wait... "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 26Mar 26 This coming Friday or Monday should be interesting 🤔.Sunny and Dancing is the forecast in Cincinnati for either day.
March 27Mar 27 "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 27Mar 27 Locked and loaded time https://www.cpr.org/2025/03/26/sundance-film-festival-relocation-vote/
March 27Mar 27 3 hours ago, ucnum1 said: Locked and loaded time https://www.cpr.org/2025/03/26/sundance-film-festival-relocation-vote/ Colorado’s bid offered up locations in Boulder as well as the Stanley Film Center in Estes Park, and the state is working to sweeten the deal with up to $34 million in refundable tax credits over the course of a decade. While I'd love to be wrong, looks like it's going to Boulder LOL! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 27Mar 27 13 minutes ago, ColDayMan said: Colorado’s bid offered up locations in Boulder as well as the Stanley Film Center in Estes Park, and the state is working to sweeten the deal with up to $34 million in refundable tax credits over the course of a decade. While I'd love to be wrong, looks like it's going to Boulder LOL! I would not be so sure.Cincinnati is offering $5 million a year for 10 years.Add in the private monies for sponsors pledged from Cincinnati and it actually exceeds the Colorado incentive package.
March 27Mar 27 5 hours ago, ColDayMan said: Colorado’s bid offered up locations in Boulder as well as the Stanley Film Center in Estes Park, and the state is working to sweeten the deal with up to $34 million in refundable tax credits over the course of a decade. While I'd love to be wrong, looks like it's going to Boulder LOL! Agreed. It seems like Sundance used Cincinnati the way the NFL used LA for years. Propose relocation to extort money from host cities.
March 27Mar 27 2 hours ago, thomasbw said: Agreed. It seems like Sundance used Cincinnati the way the NFL used LA for years. Propose relocation to extort money from host cities. Sundance would have also used Boulder under this same scenario.But I don't believe Sundance will be remaining in Utah or going to Colorado in this case.We shall see Edited March 27Mar 27 by ucnum1
March 27Mar 27 Author 2 hours ago, thomasbw said: Agreed. It seems like Sundance used Cincinnati the way the NFL used LA for years. Propose relocation to extort money from host cities. But then LA got 2 NFL teams.
March 27Mar 27 People in this process have always been consistent in stating the home team Utah was the biggest obstacle in getting Sundance to relocate. Utah seems to have taken themselves out of this bid by passing legislation Sundance is against. Boulder's venues and the cities ability to handle over 100k festival goers has also been a huge obstacle for Sundance to relocate there as well.
March 27Mar 27 11 hours ago, ucnum1 said: Locked and loaded time https://www.cpr.org/2025/03/26/sundance-film-festival-relocation-vote/ Let's get some opening day pics out there to help sway the voters since nothing goes on in Cincinnati 😂
March 27Mar 27 21 minutes ago, ucnum1 said: Utah seems to have taken themselves out of this bid by passing legislation Sundance is against If this was actually an issue with Sundance, then Cincinnati is out out of the running. Ohio will pass equally as bigoted legislation eventually. Edited March 27Mar 27 by 10albersa
March 27Mar 27 3 minutes ago, 10albersa said: If this was actually an issue with Sundance, then Cincinnati is out out of the running. Ohio will pass equally as bigoted legislation eventually. Ohio is not Utah and it never will be.40% plus Mormons residing in Utah make that a sure thing.Utah is ultra conservative.
March 27Mar 27 25 minutes ago, ucnum1 said: Utah seems to have taken themselves out of this bid by passing legislation Sundance is against. Utah pissed off the outdoor retailers show a few years ago with their legislation. It eventually came back but this wouldn't be the first time that the state cut off its nose to spite its face. 4 minutes ago, 10albersa said: If this was actually an issue with Sundance, then Cincinnati is out out of the running. Ohio will pass equally as bigoted legislation eventually. I think we're going to be okay for a while. Abortion is legal here and Ohio is more LGBTQ+ friendly even with our christofascist politicians. 18 hours ago, ryanlammi said: I've never been, but you have to admit that it would be a huge vibe shift from Park City. There would be major benefits, but it would feel less exclusive, which is why some people are there in the first place - they want to be in the scene and be noticed there. It would certainly be weird to be an annual Sundance attendee, and then go to the same event in Cincinnati. Does it kill the event's prestige? Who knows. But I agree that it sounds like they cannot survive financially in Park City, and there are indie filmmakers who cannot afford to go in the current setup. Even local business owners in PC don't like Sundance. Most locals don't go and much of the ski tourists also avoid the area during Sundance, so that cuts back on business. A lot of the "film" stuff also includes private parties, etc. While Boulder would also be an improvement, having it in Cincinnati makes it easier for the festival to attract a bigger audience. We're a day's drive from 60% of the country's population, it's cheaper to stay here, we're in a bigger city/metro region, and Cincinnati regularly hosts large events. That does not include the ability to expand to a bigger festival like SXSW. Utah's weird laws that make it hard to do anything fun that involves alcohol.
March 27Mar 27 Sundance Institute board of trustees also has 48 voting members.No one really knows how the voter results will go until the results are in. Lot of what Sundance is looking for is in Cincinnati's favor here though.
March 27Mar 27 I think it boils down to a simple argument: Boulder: Retain the mountain spirit and exclusive-feel of the festival Cincinnati: Growth Which would the voting members prefer? We'll find out!
March 27Mar 27 Author 1 minute ago, 10albersa said: I think it boils down to a simple argument: Boulder: Retain the mountain spirit and exclusive-feel of the festival Cincinnati: Growth Which would the voting members prefer? We'll find out! SLC: Tradition and growth, but spread out
March 27Mar 27 Things that I know. Cincinnati as a region put more effort into thier bid for Sundance than SLC or Boulder and by quite a bit.The Cincinnati contingent that went out to Park City to recruit the festival this year doubled the number from Boulder and Salt Lake.Western Southern PG CEOs among them. Various members of the Sundance board have visited Cincinnati 8 times since last August. Having a OTR building headquarters and venue space in the same building is a huge plus to them.Something SLC and Boulder were not able to offer them. We shall see soon. Or not Boulder it will be.Perception over reality in this case made the decision. Edited March 27Mar 27 by ucnum1
March 27Mar 27 Author Boulder, the compromise candidate. Still has the mountain vibes, the Redford family has close ties to CU, and better state politics than Utah. I think Cincinnati was just too much change for them to swallow. Edited March 27Mar 27 by CincyIntheKnow
March 27Mar 27 Boulder is an hour from the nearest ski resort but I digress. Boulder is essentially in Denver so there's more to do and more opportunity to expand the festival. Colorado does have better politics than Ohio and the Denver/Boulder area is more popular among young professionals. Bummed it's not coming here but I am happy that we do have some leaders who want to make Cincinnati more than just a typical midwest city.
March 27Mar 27 That’s a shame. Looking ahead other big news is coming this year I can confirm. Good stuff. Edited March 27Mar 27 by 646empire
March 27Mar 27 28 votes for Boulder Cincinnati got 17 apparently.Ohio political climate was a factor in the decision as well.Big bummer but on to the next.
March 27Mar 27 1 minute ago, ucnum1 said: Ohio political climate was a factor in the decision as well.Big bummer but on to the next. Not shocked at all. Good job on state leaders for screwing the state out of a huge influx of money!
March 27Mar 27 1 minute ago, VintageLife said: Not shocked at all. Good job on state leaders for screwing the state out of a huge influx of money! It was probably the deciding factor in Ohio's case and will be the definite case it is leaving Utah.That is just the truth.
March 27Mar 27 3 minutes ago, ucnum1 said: 28 votes for Boulder Cincinnati got 17 apparently.Ohio political climate was a factor in the decision as well.Big bummer but on to the next. Kind of surprised actually, but it felt like a lot of people in interviews, etc. were afraid of big change. I would have hoped all the voting members made site visits, but hard to say. It was at least fairly competitive, 6 votes the other way and it would have made the difference. Dang!
March 27Mar 27 Maybe the film leaders in Cincinnati can still use the momentum from the bid to gain some jobs in the film industry after site visits, etc. Alas, it wasn't all for nothing.
March 27Mar 27 Just now, IAGuy39 said: Kind of surprised actually, but it felt like a lot of people in interviews, etc. were afraid of big change. I would have hoped all the voting members made site visits, but hard to say. It was at least fairly competitive, 6 votes the other way and it would have made the difference. Dang! I think Ohio government at the state level scared them off honestly.
March 27Mar 27 So, uh, it seems like it's staying in Park City. https://www.wdtn.com/entertainment/sundance-film-festival-to-remain-in-utah-reports/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 27Mar 27 Author 3 minutes ago, ColDayMan said: So, uh, it seems like it's staying in Park City. https://www.wdtn.com/entertainment/sundance-film-festival-to-remain-in-utah-reports/ "Familiar" means mountains. I don't think it's staying in Park City.
March 27Mar 27 3 minutes ago, ColDayMan said: So, uh, it seems like it's staying in Park City. https://www.wdtn.com/entertainment/sundance-film-festival-to-remain-in-utah-reports/ I doubt it.That article sure is taking a lot of liberties from this statement. The statement added, "Although the festival chose a more familiar setting, Cincinnati has proven we are ready to embrace what's new, and we are excited to lead what's next in the film industry
March 27Mar 27 I bet if the state GOP leaders were simply old school Republicans who would jump through hoops for any economic gain, Cincinnati could have pulled this in, but as it stands, the bat s**t crazy no doubt scared many away.
March 27Mar 27 51 minutes ago, 646empire said: That’s a shame. Looking ahead other big news is coming this year I can confirm. Good stuff. NFL Draft maybe?
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