Sundance Moving to Boulder, Colorado in 2027

by

2027 will see the Sundance Film Festival shifting its location from Park City, Utah, where it’s been held for decades, to Boulder, Colorado. After a thorough hunt for a new operational hub, the festival has sealed a 10-year agreement with city authorities. In the end, Boulder proved victorious among three finalists, including Cincinnati, Ohio and Salt Lake City and Park City.

The festival organizers chose Boulder for several reasons, including its status as both a college town and a tech hub. They also emphasized the town’s stunning natural beauty, a feature that has long been a selling point for Sundance, which is known for offering film lovers the unique experience of watching excellent movies amidst breathtaking alpine scenery.

Or:

The festival’s organizers opted for Boulder due to its dual identity as a college town and tech hub. They also appreciated its picturesque natural surroundings, much like Sundance, which has been recognized for providing a one-of-a-kind film viewing experience against an alpine backdrop.

Amanda Kelso, acting CEO of Sundance Institute, mentioned that they considered one of Robert Redford’s founding principles: ensuring the festival has a strong connection with its location. As you stroll around [Boulder], it’s evident we are nestled amidst the stunning Flat Iron Mountain Range, creating an inspiring ambiance. This means that as you move from theater to theater, you can take time to absorb what you’ve just seen while being immersed in nature.

(The aim here is to make the text more conversational and descriptive, while preserving the original meaning.)

The city is commonly referred to as “The People’s Republic of Boulder,” a title given due to its distinctive personality, forward-thinking ideals, and active community involvement. It’s recognized for its environmental friendliness and welcoming attitude towards artists and alternative cultures.

Migrating to Boulder signifies the start of a fresh, unpredictable chapter for the film festival, given that Park City is closely associated with Sundance, having been its residence since 1985. Through the years, it has played host to the debuts of groundbreaking films such as “Reservoir Dogs,” “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Sex, Lies and Videotape,” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” These cinematic releases fueled the independent film movement of the ’90s and early 2000s, ultimately reshaping movie production into something grittier, more alluring, and more rebellious.

However, the art form championed by Sundance has faced challenges during a global pandemic and a prolonged box office downturn. The 2024 event failed to showcase the exciting new films that previously propelled the festival into the spotlight. While some movies such as the horror film “Together” and the historical drama “Train Dreams” were purchased during Sundance, many others have taken months to secure distribution. This isn’t just indicative of the tough economic climate for releasing these types of films in cinemas. It also hints at a shift in the behavior of streaming services like Netflix, which once actively pursued film acquisitions at festivals, but are now tightening their spending on such acquisitions.

As a supporter, I must admit that the bond between our town and the festival has faced some challenges lately. The expenses associated with sending personnel to Park City have left studio executives and agents feeling rather disgruntled. On the other hand, some locals have begun to feel somewhat disenchanted due to the influx of fans and press into our humble hamlet. To make matters more complicated, the festival taking place during the peak ski season – a crucial time for our community’s revenue – has been a significant point of contention.

Viewing it from Sundance’s standpoint, the festival faced challenges in finding adequate venues for filmmakers to display their work. With COVID-19, the town saw theater closures – one venue went bankrupt, and another, Redstone, was transformed into a high-end venue with fewer seats. Regardless of Sundance remaining in Utah, Park City would have played a significantly diminished role, hosting only a handful of events under that plan. Instead, Salt Lake City was slated to take the spotlight as the festival’s primary hub.

2024 saw The Sundance Institute, organizers of the renowned festival, expressing openness towards relocating within the USA once its contract with Park City expired in 2026. More than 100 cities and towns indicated interest, with 13 formally submitting proposals. After rigorous evaluations, just three locations remained in contention. One of these was Cincinnati, Ohio, while another option involved maintaining Sundance in Utah. In the latter scenario, Park City would still be involved but only as a venue for a limited number of events. Instead, Salt Lake City would have taken center stage, serving as the festival’s primary location.

Sundance formed a committee to assess possible future headquarters, with Amy Redford – daughter of the festival’s creator Robert Redford – among its members. During their evaluation, they examined each location’s facilities and ability to host events. The committee then presented their suggestions to the Sundance board, who made their decision during a meeting on Wednesday.

In his statement, Robert Redford expressed gratitude towards Utah while acknowledging the decision to relocate as a necessary step. He described the work they’ve done as uniquely significant and impactful. Recognizing that change is constant, he emphasized the importance of adapting and expanding for survival. This move aims to preserve the festival’s mission: taking risks, backing innovative creators, nurturing independence, and providing both entertainment and enlightenment for audiences. He expressed his appreciation for the Boulder community’s support and is excited about the festival’s future in that location.

Downtown Boulder will serve as the heart of the festival, with various theaters and entertainment spaces within the city hosting screenings and activities. Additionally, a pedestrian-exclusive street known as Pearl Street will buzz with activity. The festival has announced plans to utilize certain areas on the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder campus as well. They are collaborating with the city to improve infrastructure and accommodation facilities. The organizers of Sundance anticipate that Boulder will boast a greater number of theaters and venues than Park City.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed great excitement about welcoming Sundance, stating that “our state is elated to have it.” He explained that Colorado appreciates the arts and film industry as a significant contributor to its economy, job market, and vibrant culture. With Sundance Film Festival now joining them, they anticipate an influx of jobs, which will undoubtedly be beneficial for local businesses such as shops and eateries.

The organizers of the festival chose not to disclose the specific tax exemptions and other monetary advantages that Boulder provided them to move there, as well as how these benefits stacked up against those offered by the other potential locations in contention.

Ebs Burnough, chair of the Sundance Institute’s board, stated that each city and state presented exceptional offers, not just financially attractive incentives, but also an overwhelming enthusiasm. We ensured that the financial aspect was only one part of the equation during our thorough evaluation process.

Prior to the official announcement, the heads of the festival shared their enthusiasm for Boulder, yet they couldn’t help but express a mix of sweet and bitter feelings, knowing it would be their last year in Park City.

For over 40 years, the audience in Utah has consistently attended this festival with great excitement and warm welcome,” said Eugene Hernandez, Director of the Sundance Film Festival. “I’m genuinely looking forward to being there on the first day, January 22, 2026, to reveal the upcoming program. In earnest, I invite our loyal, dedicated fans of the Sundance Film Festival to continue our bond with us in 2027 and the years that follow.

Read More

2025-03-27 20:47