PARK CITY, UT – In a move that will reshape the landscape of independent cinema, the Sundance Film Festival, a four-decade institution in Park City, Utah, has officially announced its relocation to Boulder, Colorado, beginning in 2027. The decision marks the end of an era for the iconic festival, co-founded by Robert Redford, which has long been a winter fixture in the snowy peaks of the Rockies.
For years, the festival has served as a vital platform for emerging filmmakers and groundbreaking independent films, drawing industry professionals, cinephiles, and celebrities to the high-altitude setting. However, the festival's growing prominence also brought challenges, including rising costs for attendees and increased strain on the local infrastructure of Park City. Residents often voiced concerns over traffic congestion and the influx of visitors.
After an extensive search that included over 100 potential host cities, the Sundance Institute narrowed its choices to Boulder, Salt Lake City, and Cincinnati. Ultimately, Boulder, Colorado, emerged as the chosen destination.
"Boulder is a city of arts, technology, mountains, and universities," stated Sundance Foundation CEO Amanda Kelso in an official release. "It is a place where the Sundance Film Festival can grow and thrive." Co-founder Robert Redford acknowledged the change, expressing gratitude to the Boulder community for welcoming the festival.
With a population of approximately 100,000, Boulder offers a vibrant cultural scene and close proximity to Denver. Redford emphasized that the move aims to ensure the festival's continued support for "innovative storytelling" and the nurturing of "independence" in filmmaking. He expressed his anticipation for the "changes the future of the Festival will bring" in its new home.
Several factors are believed to have contributed to Boulder's selection. Its location within a politically liberal state, coupled with its scenic mountainous environment reminiscent of Utah, gave it an edge over other finalists.
The Sundance Film Festival has a rich history of launching the careers of acclaimed directors. Films such as Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, Jordan Peele's Get Out, Damien Chazelle's Whiplash, Richard Linklater's Boyhood and Before Sunrise, and Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape all premiered at Sundance, garnering critical acclaim and launching them into the spotlight. Over its tenure in Park City, the festival has screened approximately 4,000 films, championing independent and often unconventional storytelling.
The upcoming Sundance Film Festival, scheduled for January 22 to February 1, 2026, will be the final edition held in Park City, marking a significant turning point in the festival's history.
A Legacy of Independence: Founded in 1985 as part of Robert Redford's Sundance Institute, the festival, initially known as the Utah/US Film Festival, officially became the Sundance Film Festival in 1991. It has since become synonymous with independent cinema, providing a crucial platform for films that prioritize artistic vision over commercial appeal.
Boulder Welcomes the Festival: While Park City residents have expressed a mix of sadness and relief at the departure of the festival, the Boulder community has enthusiastically welcomed the news. The move is anticipated to bring economic benefits and further enrich the city's cultural landscape, building on its existing reputation as an arts-friendly and technologically progressive hub, home to the University of Colorado Boulder. Its accessibility via Denver International Airport also presents logistical advantages for the large-scale event.
Looking Ahead: As the Sundance Film Festival prepares for its new chapter in Boulder, the film world will be watching closely to see how this iconic event evolves while maintaining its core mission of championing independent filmmaking. The move signifies a significant shift, and the future promises both challenges and opportunities for the festival to continue its legacy on a new stage.
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