That's a wrap! Sundance announces its 2027 move to Boulder, Colorado
Boulder beat out Utah's unified bid and Cincinnati, Ohio. The college town's expansion possibilities proved decisive. "Part of the decision-making process was around opportunity for growth," acting Sundance Institute CEO Amanda Kelso told Deadline. "Knowing that we can be in a town that has 100,000 people means that it has more venues, more spaces, and more opportunities."
The move comes as Sundance's contract with Park City approaches its 2026 expiration. Deadline first reported in June 2023 that the Institute had formed a task force to scout potential new locations. The change follows years of challenges, including pandemic-related cancellations, tensions with Park City locals, and leadership changes at the Institute.
The festival's relationship with Park City has deteriorated over time. Locals have expressed frustration with the influx of attendees, while industry executives have balked at the rising costs. The festival's timing during ski season—Park City's economic driver—has also created strain for local businesses.
Boulder's winning bid included $34 million in tax incentives over the next decade. The Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau emphasized the city's variety of venues and lodging options, promising a more accessible, affordable experience.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomed the announcement: "Colorado is thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to its new home in Boulder starting in 2027. Here in our state we celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture."
Downtown Boulder will serve as the festival's central hub, with Pearl Street—a permanent pedestrian-only area—becoming a focal point. The festival will also utilize select locations on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, festival founder Robert Redford's alma mater.
Kelso noted Boulder's natural setting as another advantage: "From a sense of space perspective, it's this really vibrant town that's surrounded by nature. You can imagine walking from venue to venue, metabolizing the film you just watched and communing with nature which is something Robert Redford felt so strongly about."
She added, "Boulder is a cool town, it's an arts town. There are poets, musicians and filmmakers who live here. It's a tech town. It's also a college town—38,000 students attend University of Colorado Boulder, and that creates an opportunity for us to think about audience development in a more expansive way."
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