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Sundance Film Festival moves to Boulder: A new chapter begins
In a groundbreaking decision, the Sundance Film Festival has announced its relocation from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado. After 40 years in the picturesque ski town, the festival’s organizers cited a need for more space and resources as the driving factors behind this significant move.
With a growing audience and an expanding roster of films, Sundance has outgrown its former home, prompting a search for a new venue that could accommodate its ambitious vision.
Why Boulder? The perfect blend of culture and nature
Boulder emerged as the chosen city due to its unique combination of small-town charm and vibrant cultural scene.
Amanda Kelso, the acting chief executive of the Sundance Institute, highlighted the city’s appeal, stating, “Boulder is a tech town, it’s a college town, it’s an arts town, and it’s a mountain town.” With a population of around 100,000, Boulder offers the necessary infrastructure to support the festival’s growth while maintaining a close connection to nature, a core value for Sundance.
The festival’s new home will feature a central hub similar to Park City’s Main Street, with Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall providing a lively atmosphere for attendees. The Macky Auditorium at the University of Colorado is expected to serve as a key venue, further enhancing the festival’s accessibility and engagement with the community.
A shift in ethos: Embracing inclusivity and community
The decision to move was not solely based on logistical considerations; it also reflects a shift in the festival’s ethos. Organizers emphasized the importance of a welcoming environment, aligning with the values that Sundance has cultivated over the years.
As political climates shift, particularly in Utah, the festival’s leadership recognized the need for a location that embodies inclusivity and support for diverse voices in film.
While Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox expressed regret over the festival’s departure, citing a competitive package to keep Sundance in the state, the festival’s leadership maintained that their decision was rooted in a desire for evolution rather than political pressures.
Ebs Burnough, chair of the Sundance Institute board, stated, “This process started 18 months ago… It was really and truly about evolution. That’s where it landed.”
The economic impact of Sundance: A boon for Boulder
The economic implications of Sundance’s move are significant. The festival has historically been a major economic driver for Park City, attracting thousands of visitors and generating millions in revenue. In 2024 alone, the festival brought in an estimated $132 million to Utah’s economy. Boulder officials are optimistic about the potential benefits, having lured Sundance with a $34 million tax credit package over the next decade.
As the festival prepares for its final edition in Park City in January 2026, the excitement surrounding its new chapter in Boulder is palpable. With a commitment to fostering independent filmmakers and celebrating diverse storytelling, Sundance is poised to thrive in its new environment. The festival’s legacy will undoubtedly continue, as it embarks on this new journey, embracing change while remaining true to its mission of global discovery in cinema.
