The prestigious Sundance Film Festival, renowned for showcasing independent filmmaking, is slated to move its venue from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. This announcement was made by both the festival organizers and the Colorado Governor’s Office on Thursday, marking a significant transition for the event after 42 successful years in Utah.

Selection Process and Motivation

The endeavor to find a new host city has been in progress for several years. The festival publicly initiated this search in 2023, with Boulder emerging as a frontrunner alongside other potential cities.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed enthusiasm about the relocation, stating, “Colorado is thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to its new home in Boulder starting in 2027. Here in our state, we celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture.” He highlighted the potential economic benefits that the festival will bring to local businesses.

Implications for Local Festivals

With the Sundance Film Festival taking place annually in January, the Boulder Film Festival is expected to adjust its schedule to avoid overlap, likely postponing its dates by approximately one month.

Local Support and Economic Considerations

Efforts from local and state leaders in Colorado have significantly influenced this decision, emphasizing Boulder’s vibrant arts community and the expected economic advantages. Initiatives include state legislative proposals for up to $34 million in refundable tax credits aimed at attracting the festival to Boulder, although some lawmakers are raising concerns about fairness in subsidizing a largely localized event.

In tandem with these efforts, Boulder city officials have secured commitments from local hotels to limit price increases during the festival’s duration, ensuring a welcoming environment for attendees.

Statements from Festival Leadership

Ebs Burnough, Chair of the Sundance Institute Board, remarked on the major decision, indicating that Boulder emerged as an ideal location after a careful evaluation of what the festival requires to thrive in the future. “During the process, it became clear that Boulder is the ideal location in which to build our Festival’s future,” Burnough noted.

Robert Redford, the founder of the Sundance Institute, also shared his optimism regarding the move, saying, “This will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk-taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.”

Potential Economic Impact

A comprehensive study conducted by the State of Utah prior to the move indicated that the festival attracted nearly 73,000 attendees in 2024, resulting in approximately $132 million in economic output for the region, including $14 million in tax revenue and $70 million in wages.

Amanda Kelso, acting CEO of the Sundance Institute, affirmed her belief in Boulder’s potential to host the festival effectively, remarking, “Boulder is an art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town. It is a place where the Festival can build and flourish.”