 |
| Sundance will move to Boulder, Colorado, from 2027 Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute |
The Sundance Film Festival is moving to Boulder, Colarado, after four decades in Park City, Utah.
A City of Boulder press release confirmed the news and said a press conference is scheduled at 2pm Colorado time. The state had been in the running for the potential relocation of the festival, short-listed with a United Utah bid and Cincinnati, Ohio, last autumn.
Festival founder and Sundance Institute president Robert Redford said: “I founded the Sundance Institute with a commitment to discovering and developing independent artists, with the Sundance Film Festival serving as the platform for stories to help expand audiences and broaden the landscape
“That mission remains even more critical today and will continue to be our core principle. Words cannot express the sincere gratitude I have for Park City, the state of Utah, and all those in the Utah community that have helped to build the organization. What we've created is remarkably special and defining. As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival. This move will ensure that the festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences. I am grateful to the Boulder community for its support, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the festival there.”
Acting Sundance Institute CEO Amanda Kelso said: “The Sundance Film Festival is a catalyst for innovation, creative expression, and the discovery of groundbreaking independent films that inspire and shape the future of storytelling. This process provided the opportunity to imagine how we design the Festival while staying true to our programming and mission. We extend our appreciation to the staff, artists, partners, volunteers, and audiences who have and continue to support that mission.
“Boulder is an art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town. It is a place where the Festival can build and flourish. This is the beginning of a bold, new journey as we invite everyone to be part of our community and to be entertained and inspired. We can’t imagine a better fit than Boulder.”
The Governor Jared Polis said: “I’m beyond excited to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado starting in 2027. Powerful films tell our stories; who we were, who we are, and who we aspire to be. Here in Colorado we also celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture."
Change was in the air at this year's festival in Park City, with the number of screenings at the largest cinema, the Eccles, reduced for the second year running and The Prospector venue no longer used. The gradual shrinking of seats at the festival has been going on for some years, with the loss of The Temple and Racquet Club venues (under various names), despite the addition of The Ray a few years ago. Speaking to other journalists on the ground, there was a sense of the place shutting up shop, although most of us are in agreement that while Boulder is a good choice, the festival will never be quite the same.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado and work with our new partners at the Sundance Institute to ensure a smooth transition to Boulder in 2027. We can think of no better partner to elevate filmmaking and storytelling in Colorado and look forward to celebrating the many creative milestones that lie ahead,” said Colorado Film Commissioner, Donald Zuckerman.
“Hosting the Sundance Film Festival is an incredible win for the Boulder region and the state of Colorado. The 2024 festival generated $132 million in gross domestic product, created 1,730 jobs paying $69.7 million in wages, and attracted 24,000 out-of-state visitors who spent an average of $735 a day. We expect to see a similar impact for Coloradans and look forward to welcoming the Festival in 2027,” said Colorado Rep. Brianna Titone.
