After more than 40 years in Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is relocating.
The Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees announced Thursday, March 27, that the renowned film festival will move to Boulder, Colorado starting in 2027. Next year’s festival will be the last in Park City, which has hosted Sundance since 1981.
“This decision was informed by a detailed evaluation of the key components essential to creating our Festival,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough. “During the process, it became clear that Boulder is the ideal location in which to build our Festival’s future, marking a key strategic step in its natural evolution. We have a profound appreciation for the finalist cities and their communities—including Boulder, Colorado, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City, Utah—who presented overwhelmingly strong proposals and dedicated their time, passion, and commitment every step of the way.”
The Sundance Institute signed a ten-year contract with Boulder. Founder and president Robert Redford expressed gratitude to Park City and Utah for hosting the festival for over four decades.
“As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival,” said Redford. “This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk-taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences. I am grateful to the Boulder community for its support, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Festival there.”
Redford established the festival in 1978, initially in Salt Lake City. Colorado recently introduced incentives of up to $34 million in refundable tax credits for film festivals.
Earlier this month, Utah’s Republican State Senator Daniel McCay showed little concern about Sundance’s potential departure, accusing the festival of promoting “porn” and “alternative lifestyles.” According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Utah faces significant financial losses from the move. Deadline reported that Park City mayor Nann Worel expressed disappointment and frustration with a Utah legislature bill banning LGBTQ+ pride flags from public buildings and schools.
