The Sundance Film Festival is moving from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado. After 40 years in Park City, organizers felt the festival had outgrown the small ski town. They needed more space, affordable housing, and additional venues to accommodate the growing number of filmmakers and attendees.
Boulder was an appealing choice because it combines nature, a vibrant arts scene, and an engaged community. Amanda Kelso, the acting CEO of the Sundance Institute, describes Boulder as a place that captures the spirit of the festival — it’s a tech town, a college town, and a mountain town all in one. This move allows Sundance to expand its reach and impact while still being nestled in the beauty of the mountains.
Local leaders in Colorado welcomed the move, promising $34 million in tax credits to make the festival’s new home appealing. Colorado’s Governor, Jared Polis, emphasized the importance of the arts and film industry to the state’s economy. In contrast, Utah’s Governor, Spencer Cox, expressed regret, arguing that Sundance would miss the connections it built over the years.
Robert Redford, founder of the festival, supported the transition to Boulder. He reminisced about the gratitude he feels toward Park City for its years of support. Redford’s vision for Sundance has always been about nurturing independent voices in film, and he believes that adaptability is key to the festival’s ongoing success.
Boulder’s setting offers a similar feel to Park City, with theaters and a pedestrian-friendly area that can serve as the festival hub. The Macky Auditorium at the University of Colorado is expected to play a significant role during the event.
The decision to relocate was not heavily influenced by local politics, despite ongoing debates in Utah regarding LGBTQ rights that attracted attention. The festival emphasized its values of inclusivity and community support in choosing Boulder.
Sundance has been vital for Park City’s economy, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year and creating thousands of jobs. In 2024 alone, around 72,840 people attended, with visitors spending an estimated $106 million in the state. This influx benefited local businesses, although it also caused tension with ski resorts that experienced a drop in visitors during the festival.
What does this mean for the future? Boulder now joins Colorado’s impressive film scene, which already includes the Telluride Film Festival. As Sundance prepares for its final event in Park City in January 2026, it promises to continue its mission of global discovery and support for filmmakers wherever it goes.
For further reading on the film festival’s impact, check out this report by the Sundance Institute.
Check out this related article: Tragic Mystery: Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa’s Unclaimed Bodies Over a Month After Shocking Deaths
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