Movies

Sundance Film Festival picks Boulder as host city for 2027 and beyond

BBG News

Beginning in 2027, the Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, marking a significant shift for one of the most important annual gatherings within the independent film community.

Delighted to share that I’m thrilled to announce, as a cinephile, our beloved city has been selected! After a decisive vote by the Sundance Institute’s board of trustees on Wednesday, our city outshone Cincinnati and Salt Lake City, Utah, in their search for a new home. It’s an incredible honor to be chosen among such esteemed contenders. Here’s to a bright future of cinema!

Ebs Burnough, the chair of Sundance Institute, expressed strong backing for Boulder during his interview on Thursday. He mentioned that while there was active debate, the board has spent roughly 18 months deliberating on this issue, leading to a great deal of consistent and ongoing dialogue with an ever-changing perspective.

Amanda Kelso, acting CEO of Sundance Institute, emphasized on Thursday the significance they place on considering their core values, often referred to as ethos. This ethos is deeply rooted in a concept pioneered by Robert Redford during the institute’s founding principles, which centers around choosing a location for the Sundance Film Festival that embodies both spatial and regional character, or sense of space and sense of place.

Kelso remarked, ‘This town is truly amazing!’ It exudes a unique charm and offers various outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Not only that, but it’s also known for its artistic, technological, and educational communities, making it an incredibly lively spot.

Last April, Sundance first hinted at the possibility of relocating from its long-standing venue in Park City, Utah, when their contract with the city was due for renewal starting in 2027. Out of 67 locations that expressed interest, requests for proposals were sent to 13 potential new sites. After site visits to six cities, the list was narrowed down to the final three contenders.

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Three cities – Boulder, Cincinnati, and a joint bid from Salt Lake City and Park City – are vying for the opportunity to host the Sundance Film Festival in the future. Here’s a look at each city’s proposal:

1. Boulder: Known for its vibrant arts scene and beautiful mountain backdrop, Boulder is making a strong case as the ideal location for the festival. They plan to leverage their existing cultural institutions and local talent to create an unforgettable film experience.
2. Cincinnati: With a rich history of artistic expression, Cincinnati offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and Midwestern charm. They promise to provide a warm welcome and an engaging atmosphere for festival attendees.
3. Salt Lake City & Park City (joint bid): This dynamic duo boasts a proven track record as the long-time home of the Sundance Film Festival. By combining their resources, they aim to continue delivering a world-class event that showcases innovative filmmaking and fosters creative collaboration.

The decision made by the festival aligns with the broader film industry, which currently grapples with ongoing uncertainties across various sectors such as production, distribution, and exhibition. The circle surrounding Sundance has felt the impact of changing business trends significantly.

Eugene Hernandez, the head of Sundance’s festival and public programming, stated on Thursday that this festival, which has been changing for five years now, is taking its next step. He emphasized that despite these changes, Sundance remains steadfast in its commitment as an institution and a global discovery festival to artists. At the same time, he added that Sundance has shown a willingness and openness to adapt and evolve.

Over time, places like Macky Auditorium, the Boulder Theater, and the Dairy Arts Center could come to be just as well-known to Sundance festival-goers as the Eccles Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, and Park City Library are for them currently.

Kelso stated, “This period is crucial for our institute, especially for the festival. What excites us most is the chance to broaden our perspective on the festival. This situation presents us with a great opportunity to make room for growth.

As per resources from Sundance Institute, the decision-making procedure encompassed seven primary aspects: credibility (ethos), event feasibility, transportation logistics, guest accommodations (hospitality), inclusivity and accessibility, fiscal viability, and cooperation with host partners.

One of the key points being evaluated was:
1. Presence of a performance hall that can accommodate at least 1300 attendees for film premieres.
2. Availability of at least six screening rooms with varying capacities (from 150 to 1300 people).
3. Accessibility of an international airport offering direct flights from cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris, all within a three-hour drive of the location.
4. Availability of lodging options within a 25-mile radius capable of accommodating a maximum of 30,000 people during peak times.
5. Examination of any existing contracts that might clash or affect infrastructure or operational capacity, such as the Olympics.

Salt Lake City and Cincinnati are seen as liberal cities in conservative states, while Boulder is considered a liberal city in another liberal state. As there are controversial laws being discussed in Utah and Ohio that might clash with Sundance’s accepting perspective, moving to Boulder may help avoid potential future conflicts for the festival.

Burnough mentioned, “We’ve been exploring how we can grow and change.” He emphasized that one of our organization’s core values, instilled by Bob Redford, is growth, taking risks, and not being afraid. Politics hasn’t hindered us; instead, we handle it as it arises. We admired all three finalist cities, each presenting strong cases. However, the unique blend that drew us to Boulder was truly exceptional.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared that our state takes pride in nurturing the arts and film industry as significant economic catalysts, job providers, and culture enrichers. With the arrival of the esteemed Sundance Film Festival, we anticipate an influx of jobs, which will be particularly advantageous for our small businesses such as shops and eateries.

For over 4 decades, Sundance Film Festival has played a significant role in Utah, nurturing filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Ava DuVernay, Steven Soderbergh, Ryan Coogler, and many more. Witnessing the transformation of the film industry across various periods, it’s now seeking to establish a fresh base in Boulder, adapting alongside the industry towards an uncertain future.

Since change is a constant factor, it’s essential that we adapt and progress – a principle key to our existence,” stated Robert Redford, president and founder of Sundance Institute. “By making this shift, we can guarantee the festival will carry on its mission of embracing risk, championing creative minds, nurturing independence, and providing both amusement and enlightenment for spectators. I’m thankful for the backing received from Boulder’s community, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for the festival in this location.

The upcoming in-person Sundance Film Festival, happening in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, is scheduled from January 22nd to February 1st, 2026.

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2025-03-27 21:01

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