PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — This year’s Sundance Film Festival buzzed with one main question: “Are you still going when it moves to Boulder?” Many attendees, loyal fans of its Park City roots, are feeling a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty about the future.
Butch Ward, a Sundance visitor since the early ’90s, sums up the mood. “This feels like the last true Sundance to me,” he said, emphasizing the festival’s unique charm in Utah. It’s a sentiment echoed by countless others who have made the festival a cherished tradition.
Some attendees wore yellow scarves proclaiming, “Our last Sundance 2026.” Another film lover balanced a reel on her head and held a sign touting this as “the last Sundance.”
Actor Suzie Taylor, attending since 1997, noted, “Robert Redford’s vision started here. Isn’t it fitting he passed just before this shift?”
Julie Nunis from Los Angeles has attended almost every year since 2001. For her, the magic of Sundance is tied to its Utah traditions. “I can’t imagine it any other way,” she said.
Redford, who passed away in September at 89, founded the festival over four decades ago as a nurturing ground for independent filmmakers. He even gave his blessing for the move to Boulder, which won a bidding process against several U.S. cities. Organizers say the festival had outgrown Park City, which became too exclusive and distracted from the films.
While some veterans express willingness to try Boulder, they worry about losing Sundance’s essence. Lauren Garcia, a Seattle volunteer of six years, felt a sadness looming over this final Utah festival. “Will it still express Redford’s legacy?” she wondered. “It’s a big question mark.”
However, Redford’s daughter, Amy, sees promise in the transition despite its challenges. She noted that important programs for developing filmmakers will stay in Utah, emphasizing the festival’s ongoing commitment to independent storytelling.
Nik Dodani, an actor passionate about diversity, looks forward to Sundance in a new state. But he also fears a loss of the festival’s spirit in Utah.
Amy assured that Redford’s values would remain in Utah as they embark on a new chapter. “Boulder will bring a fresh start, but our heart is still in Utah,” she stated.
This mix of excitement and concern reflects a deep emotional connection to Sundance. With Redford gone and the festival moving, the question looms: how will Sundance evolve? Only time will tell.
For more insights on the future of Sundance, check out AP News.
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