The marquee of the Egyptian Theatre appears during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on Jan. 28, 2020. AP Photo
After four decades in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is relocating to Boulder, Colorado. Organizers announced the decision on Thursday, citing the need for more space, better infrastructure, and affordability. The move ensures the festival remains in a mountain town, preserving its connection to nature and independent filmmaking.
Why Sundance is Leaving Park City
Park City has long been the picturesque setting for Sundance, attracting filmmakers, celebrities, and industry executives every January. However, the festival had outgrown the town, facing challenges like limited theater capacity, rising rental costs, and inadequate housing for attendees.
The search for a new home included Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, and Boulder. In the end, Boulder’s vibrant arts scene, university presence, and welcoming community made it the ideal choice.
A Warm Welcome in Boulder
Sundance’s move has been met with enthusiasm in Colorado. The state offered $34 million in tax credits over the next decade to help secure the festival. Governor Jared Polis praised the decision, emphasizing Colorado’s strong arts and film industry.
Boulder, a city of 100,000 residents, offers a central hub for the festival, similar to Park City’s Main Street. The University of Colorado’s Macky Auditorium is expected to be a key venue.
Mixed Reactions in Utah
Not everyone is pleased with the move. Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed disappointment, stating that Sundance would regret leaving its historic roots. Some Utah officials linked the decision to political tensions, as the state recently passed laws restricting certain flag displays in schools and government buildings.
However, festival organizers insist the decision was not politically motivated. Instead, they emphasize that Boulder’s ethos and inclusivity align with Sundance’s values.
Robert Redford’s Support for the Move
Sundance founder Robert Redford, who attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, fully supports the relocation. He acknowledged Utah’s contributions to the festival’s success but emphasized the need for growth and evolution.
What This Means for the Film Industry
Sundance has been a launchpad for filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh and Ryan Coogler, with films such as "CODA" (2022) winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.
The festival has also played a significant role in Utah’s economy, generating $132 million in economic impact in 2024 alone. Its departure will leave a financial gap, especially in Park City, where local businesses and tourism thrived during the event.
Final Festival in Park City
Sundance will host one final edition in Park City in January 2026 before officially moving to Boulder. While some loyal festivalgoers, like Florida resident Debbie Gold, are unsure if they’ll continue attending, many recognize the festival’s commitment to independent cinema will remain unchanged.
With this move, Colorado now hosts two major U.S. film festivals—Sundance in Boulder and Telluride Film Festival in late August.
