For over four decades, the Sundance Film Festival has been synonymous with the snow-capped peaks and cozy charm of Park City, Utah. Since its inception in 1981, the festival has transformed from a modest gathering of independent filmmakers into a global cultural phenomenon, launching careers like those of Quentin Tarantino, Damien Chazelle, and the Daniels (Everything Everywhere All at Once). But in a historic shift announced on March 27, 2025, Sundance will bid farewell to its longtime home and relocate to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. This decision, the culmination of a yearlong evaluation involving 67 cities, marks the end of an era for Park City and the beginning of a bold new chapter for independent cinema.
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| Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colorado. Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival |
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The Search for a New Home: A Strategic Evolution
The RFI/RFP Process and Finalists
The Sundance Institute’s decision to pursue a new host city followed a meticulous 14-month process. After the festival’s contract with Park City expired in 2026, organizers launched a Request for Information (RFI) on April 17, 2024, inviting proposals from cities nationwide. By May 1, 67 cities had responded, ranging from major metros like Atlanta to smaller cultural hubs like Santa Fe. A dedicated task force evaluated submissions based on criteria like transportation infrastructure, venue capacity, sustainability initiatives, and alignment with Sundance’s mission of fostering diverse storytelling.
By June 2024, the list narrowed to three finalists:
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Salt Lake City, Utah (proposing a hybrid model with Park City),
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Cincinnati, Ohio (highlighting Midwestern affordability and growing arts scene),
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Boulder, Colorado (emphasizing its tech-art-college-town trifecta and natural beauty).
The Request for Proposal (RFP) phase, running from May 7 to June 21, 2024, required finalists to submit detailed plans addressing logistics, funding, and community partnerships. Boulder’s proposal stood out with commitments from local hotels to cap room rates during the 11-day event, a $34 million tax incentive package from the Colorado legislature, and partnerships with the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) to integrate academic programming.
Why Boulder Won Out
Boulder’s selection reflects a strategic pivot for Sundance as it seeks to balance growth with intimacy. Key factors included:
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Infrastructure: Unlike Park City’s population of 8,200, Boulder (pop. ~100,000) offers larger venues like the CU Boulder Conference Center and Macky Auditorium, reducing reliance on temporary pop-up theaters.
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Accessibility: Denver International Airport, located 45 minutes away, provides direct flights to 215 destinations a stark contrast to Park City’s reliance on Salt Lake City’s smaller airport.
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Cultural Synergy: Dubbed a “tech town, college town, art town, and mountain town” by Sundance’s acting CEO Amanda Kelso, Boulder’s creative ecosystem aligns with the festival’s ethos. CU Boulder’s Cinema Studies program will host workshops and panels, while the Stanley Film Center (a horror-focused museum opening in 2026) adds niche appeal.
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Financial Incentives: Colorado’s House Bill 25-1005, passed in March 2025, grants Sundance up to $34 million in refundable tax credits through 2036. Critics, including some state senators, argued the bill unfairly subsidizes Boulder, but proponents like Sen. Mark Baisley countered that the festival would generate “overwhelming” economic returns for the entire Front Range.
The End of an Era: Park City’s Mixed Emotions
Economic and Cultural Legacy
Sundance’s departure leaves a profound void in Park City. The 2024 festival drew 72,840 attendees (down from 116,800 in 2020), injecting $132 million into Utah’s economy, including $69.7 million in wages and $14 million in tax revenue. Local businesses like Rio Transportation, which saw 30% of its annual revenue from festival-related shuttles, now face uncertainty. “Losing Sundance would be devastating,” owner Hudson Valeriano lamented.
Yet not all residents mourn the exit. Blaire Isleib, owner of a Main Street boutique, noted that festivalgoers rarely shopped locally, while overcrowding deterred ski tourists. “It’s not profitable for us anymore,” she said. Others, like art dealer Ryan Williams, mourned the loss of cultural diversity: “Sundance brought people from all over the world. That openness is irreplaceable”.
The Hybrid Proposal That Failed
Salt Lake City’s bid proposed retaining Park City as a satellite venue for screenings and events. However, Sundance organizers sought a unified location to streamline operations. “A fragmented model would dilute the festival’s identity,” explained task force member Ebs Burnough. Park City Mayor Nann Worel expressed disappointment but vowed to “explore new opportunities to celebrate independent art”.
Boulder’s Challenge: Balancing Growth and Authenticity
Infrastructure and Community Impact
While Boulder boasts robust infrastructure, hosting 70,000+ visitors in January will test its capacity. Key concerns include:
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Housing: Average hotel rates during Sundance could exceed $400/night despite caps, straining affordability for students and locals.
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Transportation: Boulder’s public transit system, reliant on buses, must scale up to avoid the gridlock that plagued Park City.
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Environmental Impact: Critics question whether the festival’s carbon footprint (from travel and energy use) aligns with Boulder’s sustainability goals.
To address these, Visit Boulder has partnered with Lyft for discounted rides and CU Boulder to house attendees in dormitories. “We’re committed to making this inclusive and eco-conscious,” said Gov. Jared Polis.
Economic Projections and Controversies
Colorado anticipates Sundance will replicate Utah’s economic success, with projected revenues exceeding $150 million annually by 2030. However, HB 25-1005’s tax incentives remain contentious. Opponents like Sen. Julie Gonzales argue, “Subsidizing a private event with public funds sets a dangerous precedent”. Proponents counter that the credits are performance-based; Sundance must meet attendance benchmarks to qualify.
The Future of Sundance: Innovation Meets Tradition
Programming Expansions
In Boulder, Sundance plans to experiment with:
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Virtual Reality Pavilion: Partnering with CU Boulder’s ATLAS Institute to showcase immersive storytelling.
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Climate Action Films: A new category highlighting environmental documentaries, reflecting Boulder’s eco-conscious values.
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Local Collaborations: Screenings at the Denver Art Museum and partnerships with Boulder International Film Festival to extend the event’s reach.
Robert Redford’s Vision
Founder Robert Redford, now 87, endorsed the move as essential for Sundance’s evolution: “Change is part of growth. Our mission to amplify independent voices remains, but Boulder offers fresh energy to fulfill it”.
Conclusion: A Bittersweet Transition
The Sundance Film Festival’s relocation to Boulder underscores the tension between tradition and progress. For Park City, the loss is deeply personal a farewell to a festival that shaped its identity. For Boulder, the challenge lies in honoring Sundance’s legacy while forging a sustainable future.
As Amanda Kelso aptly summarized, “Boulder is where art, innovation, and nature converge. It’s the perfect canvas for Sundance’s next act”. Whether this move revitalizes independent cinema or strains its grassroots soul, one truth remains: In 2027, the mountains will still frame the stories, but the backdrop will be a new shade of Colorado blue.