The Sundance Film Festival Relocates to Boulder, Colorado

The Sundance Film Festival, a cornerstone of indie cinema for over 40 years, is officially set to change its location. Following a comprehensive search process, the esteemed festival will make Boulder, Colorado, its new home starting in 2027. The decision comes after bidding farewell to Park City, where the festival enjoyed a long history, and after careful consideration among various finalists, including Salt Lake City and Cincinnati.

A New Era for Sundance

Sundance’s shift to Boulder marks a significant transition. According to the festival’s president and founder, Robert Redford, this move reflects a commitment to evolving with time and enhancing the festival’s role in supporting innovative filmmakers. “As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival,”Redford stated. He expressed gratitude to the Boulder community for their support, highlighting the exciting potential for the festival in its new locale.

Challenges Faced in Park City

In recent years, Park City has struggled to accommodate the festival’s needs. Rising housing costs, with accommodation sometimes exceeding tens of thousands of dollars, and a general decline in attendance from industry insiders have made the environment less hospitable. Local residents have also expressed their frustration regarding traffic congestion and the pressures of hosting a large influx of visitors during peak ski season.

The festival witnessed a noticeable decrease in attendance, with 72,840 attendees at the 2024 event, significantly down from 116,800 in 2020, before the pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual programming.

Selection Process for the New Venue

The search for a new home for Sundance took a year, narrowing down candidates from 67 cities. Key factors included accessibility, public transport, lodging, and suitable venues for film screenings. Notably, film enthusiasts voiced concerns over limited flight options when considering cities like Cincinnati, while Boulder was found to offer ample non-stop flights through the Denver International Airport.

Boulder, renowned for its vibrant college atmosphere thanks to the University of Colorado Boulder, provides a strong base for engaging younger audiences. Local hotel options are plentiful, and Sundance is committed to maintaining fair pricing to support festival-goers.

Impact on Local Film Festivals

The Boulder International Film Festival, active since 2005 and attracting over 20,000 attendees annually, already cultivates a rich cinematic culture. However, it remains uncertain what effect Sundance’s arrival will have on this established event.

Political Climate Considerations

Concerns have been raised regarding the political atmosphere in Colorado, especially in contrast to Utah’s more conservative environment, which has witnessed increasing hostility towards issues of inclusion. Recent bills passed in Utah targeting LGBTQ+ rights have led some festival veterans to question how these cultural dynamics will affect the festival’s mission of promoting free expression through film.

Despite these concerns, Sundance leadership maintains that political factors did not play a significant role in their decision-making process. Ebs Burnough, the board chair, emphasized that their focus was primarily on the festival’s evolution and commitment to artists and audiences alike.

Welcoming Sundance to Colorado

Governor Jared Polis of Colorado welcomed the festival warmly, highlighting the event’s potential to boost local economies and cultural engagement. “We celebrate the arts and film industry as key economic drivers,”he noted, anticipating significant benefits for local businesses amid the festival’s arrival.

Looking Ahead

As the festival prepares for its final year in Park City, slated for January 22 to February 1, 2026, excitement builds for the prospects in Boulder. Festival director Eugene Hernandez reflects on the importance of Park City in Sundance’s history while expressing optimism about the opportunities that Boulder presents, stating, “[Boulder] is a place where we can build. This is a place that foundationally is so strong and aligns so beautifully with Sundance.”

For more detailed insights, explore the official announcements and coverage from Hollywood Reporter.