Sundance Film Festival Relocates to Boulder, Colorado
After an extensive search lasting a year, the Sundance Film Festival has officially announced its new host city: Boulder, Colorado. This marks a significant transition for the festival, which has been a staple of Park City, Utah, for nearly four decades, renowned for its beautiful snowy landscapes that have formed a picturesque backdrop for independent cinema.
New Beginnings in Boulder
Festival organizers revealed that the decision to move away from Park City was driven by practical considerations—specifically, the need for larger venues and affordable housing that could accommodate the festival’s growth. After weighing options that included Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, and Boulder, they ultimately chose Boulder for its unique blend of natural beauty, a supportive community, and its vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Amanda Kelso, acting chief executive of the Sundance Institute, emphasized Boulder’s appeal: “Boulder is a tech town, it’s a college town, it’s an arts town, and it’s a mountain town. At 100,000 people, a larger town than Park City, it gives us the space to expand,” she noted.
Support from Local Officials
The move was bolstered by significant incentives, including a $34 million tax credit package over the next decade offered by local officials. Colorado Governor Jared Polis praised the festival, underscoring its impact on the arts and economic landscape of the state.
Robert Redford’s Approval
This transition received support from Sundance’s founder, Robert Redford. Reflecting on the move, Redford expressed gratitude for the years spent in Park City while acknowledging the necessity of evolving: “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,” he stated.
The Selection Process
The decision-making process for selecting a new host city spanned 18 months, focusing on the festival’s core values like inclusivity and community support. Notably, local political climates factored into considerations, as the festival seeks a welcoming environment, echoing its ethos developed over the years in Park City. Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute board chair, clarified, “It was really and truly about evolution. That’s where it landed.”
Last Festival in Park City
The Sundance Film Festival will have its final edition in Park City in January 2026, allowing attendees to say farewell to the iconic location that has been synonymous with independent filmmaking.
Impact of Sundance on Park City and Beyond
Over the years, the festival has transformed Park City into a key site for film commerce, attracting industry executives and celebrities alike. It has launched numerous filmmakers to prominence, including Steven Soderbergh and Ryan Coogler. The festival also played a significant role in Utah’s economy, with an estimated total economic impact of $132 million in 2024.
- 2024 in-person attendance: approximately 72,840
- Out-of-state visitors: 24,200
- Estimated spending by out-of-state visitors: $106.4 million
Despite its contributions to the local economy, the festival has had its challenges, particularly in relation to Park City’s ski industry, which experienced decreased visitors during the festival period. In efforts to retain the festival, Salt Lake City proposed $3.5 million incentives to keep Sundance in Utah, while other cities like Cincinnati and Atlanta offered competitive financial packages.
Looking Ahead
As the Sundance Film Festival embarks on this new chapter in Boulder, excitement surrounds the potential for growth and innovation in an environment that champions the arts. Eugene Hernandez, the festival’s director, encapsulated the essence of the festival’s mission: “The Sundance Film Festival will be the Sundance Film Festival wherever we go. What’s consistent is our mission.”
For more information about the upcoming festival in Boulder, stay tuned to official Sundance communications.
