PARK CITY, Utah — Like those who have sat through a terrible movie, Utah leaders did not hold back in their harsh critiques over the decision by Sundance Film Festival organizers to leave the state.
Criticism over the upcoming move was quick and furious following Thursday's announcement.
Gov. Spencer Cox, who in January said, "Sundance is Utah, and Utah is Sundance," wished organizers luck in the future but didn't hold back in his assessment on how the move will play out.
"Ultimately, this decision is theirs to make — but I believe it’s a mistake, and that one day, they’ll realize they left behind not just a place, but their heritage," the governor posted to social media.
That's a wrap! Sundance Film Festival leaving Utah after decades in Park City:
Without offering many details, Cox added that his office has begun meeting with "partners, stakeholders, and creative voices" to create a new festival.
Park City Mayor Nann Worel added that there wasn't anything else her city could have done to keep Sundance in its home for decades.
"For over 40 years, we weren’t just the host of the Sundance Film Festival — Park City was part of the beating heart of the independent spirit that made it such a success," she wrote. "While I am deeply disappointed, I’m grateful for the legacy we built together."
Worel added that the city will remain committed to the "creative spirit of the arts."
In a statement of her own, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, who shared that she was an original Sundance Institute employee and saw Salt Lake City lose out to Boulder to host upcoming festivals, called the move the end of an era for the entire region.
Sundance Institute Archives: A Glimpse into 40 Years of Independent Film Legacy:
"Our economy, local residents, and the broader film community benefited. I am deeply saddened and disappointed by the Sundance Institute Board’s decision to leave [Robert] Redford’s home," she wrote. "Unfortunately, the current leadership has lost sight of the legacy and spirit that has been a staple of the organization for nearly 50 years.”
The Utah Film Commission was disappointed to receive the news, especially after putting so much into the proposal to keep it and have the state remain a hub for film production.
“Film production is huge in Utah," said the commission's director, Virginia Pearce. "We just approved $20 million of production. That’s happening right now.”
Many remember when the festival was born out of the U.S. Film and Video Festival, where volunteers borrowed chairs from churches to set up mini-theaters in garages.
Timeline shows Sundance's long history in Utah:
Former Park City Mayor Dana Williams watched as his town and the festival grew up together and believes changes through the years may have led to the heartbreaking announcement.
“The board is different. They’re obviously not as wed to Utah as they were, but I do think, economically, one of the biggest reasons is because of how expensive it is to put on the festival," he said.
Williams now wonders what happens when the tens of millions of dollars that went to the city disappear.
Pearce wishes the best for the festival in its new home but hopes the locals can rebound quickly from an economic standpoint.
“I think there will always be events that want to come to Utah," she said. "I think where we’re going to feel the loss is ... a longtime partner will be gone.”
Salt Lake City officials also shared their disappointment despite attempts to keep the festival in Utah, although in a larger area and out of the mountains.
“Everyone who hears the news will think of their memories with the festival," said Lindsey Nikoa, Deputy Chief of Staff for Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, "but they can know we left no stone unturned with this bid.”
While the mood surrounding Thursday's announcement was a somber one in most of Utah, at least one person is already thinking about what's next.
"Building the Next Gen film festival in Utah sounds like a blast," wrote Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith, who added that his Smith Entertainment Group is "100% committed" in joining Cox and other local leaders to make it happen.
