Sundance Film Festival relocates to Boulder after 40 years in Utah

The Sundance Film Festival, a cornerstone of the independent film industry, has announced that it will be relocating to Boulder, Colorado, after being held in Park City, Utah for over 40 years. This significant decision comes after a year-long search, with Boulder emerging as the favored choice due to its connection to nature, community engagement, and vibrant cultural scene. The festival will continue to take place in Utah until January 2026, allowing organizers to conclude their final edition there before the transition takes place. Boulder was selected amidst a competitive process that involved multiple contenders, including Salt Lake City and Cincinnati. The Sundance Institute, founded by Robert Redford in 1981, emphasized a desire to maintain a setting that supports its mission of fostering independent voices in filmmaking and providing a welcoming environment for artists. The festival, which started in 1985 and originally showcased 25 feature films, has seen immense growth, attracting tens of thousands of attendees each year. Critics and supporters alike have expressed their views on the move, with some emphasizing the importance of maintaining the festival's core values while also acknowledging the need for adaptation in changing times. Organizers believe that Boulder, with its walkable downtown and artistic landscape, provides the ideal backdrop for the festival's next chapter. The final lease agreement with Park City has brought about challenges, shaping discussions around the festival’s economic impact and community ties. While the festival's departure from Park City marks the end of an era, Sundance’s leadership remains committed to celebrating diverse voices in film and further strengthening its community ties in Colorado. As organizers prepare for the transition, they are keen on highlighting Boulder’s unique attributes that align with the festival’s ethos of community engagement and creative expression.