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The Independent
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Reaction to the Sundance Film Festival's announcement it's leaving Park City, Utah
The Sundance Film Festival announced Thursday that its new home will be Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027, after spending 40 years in Park City, Utah. The decision ends a yearlong process in which numerous U.S. cities vied to host the prominent independent film festival, which has been a launching pad for numerous directors, actors and Oscar contenders. The finalist cities ended up being Boulder, Cincinnati, Ohio, and a combined Salt Lake City and Park City bid. Sundance's new home of Boulder even has a connection to its founder, Robert Redford, who attended the university there in the 1950s. Here are some of the reactions to Sundance's upcoming move: '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. Now, with the addition of the iconic Sundance Film Festival, we can expect even more jobs, a huge benefit for our small businesses including stores and restaurants.' — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, in a statement. "As I've said from the beginning, we wanted Sundance to stay. We made that clear to their leadership and put together a highly competitive package. Ultimately, this decision is theirs to make, but I believe it's a mistake and that, one day, they'll realize they left behind not just a place, but their heritage.' — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, in a statement. 'The Sundance Film Festival is a catalyst for innovation, creative expression, and the discovery of groundbreaking independent films that inspire and shape the future of storytelling. This process provided the opportunity to imagine how we design the Festival while staying true to our programming and mission.' Acting Sundance CEO Amanda Kelso, in a statement. "This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences. I am grateful to the Boulder community for its support, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Festival there.' — Redford, in a statement. 'While we are naturally disappointed by the decision, the State of Utah, Park City and Salt Lake City have long been proud partners of the Festival, and we are grateful for the lasting impact it has had on our communities. We remain committed to fostering the arts right here in Utah, where the spirit of storytelling will always thrive.' — a joint statement from the mayors of Park City, Salt Lake City and Utah Film Commission. 'While Cincinnati was not selected to host the Sundance Film Festival, we are proud of how our city demonstrated its dynamic role within the film industry,' Film Cincinnati President Kristen Schlotman said in a statement. ___ Associated Press Writers Hannah Schoenbaum and John Seewer contributed to this report.
The Guardian
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Boulder, Colorado, to be new home for the Sundance film festival
Boulder, Colorado, has been named as the new home for the Sundance film festival starting in 2027. The festival, which was started in 1978 by Robert Redford, will move from its home in Park City, Utah. Sundance brings more than 20,000 people a year to the ski town, which many had seen as too small to house something of this size. The cities in contention had been limited to Salt Lake City, Boulder and Cincinnati. Earlier today, Film Cincinnati's CEO, Kristen Schlotman, released a statement to say she was 'proud of how our city demonstrated its dynamic role within the film industry'. While the main home of the festival had been Park City, there has long been a component in Salt Lake City, with screenings and events, leading many to assume a closer move. A press release claims that Boulder offers 'small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene'. 'What we've created is remarkably special and defining,' Redford said in a statement. 'As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival. This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.' Eugene Hernandez, the head of programming, said that Boulder was 'ready to embrace emerging and established global storytellers, our staff and volunteers, and, of course, global audiences'. The decision comes amid concern over anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Utah targeting Pride flags. A state senator, Daniel McCay, has been targeting the community and the festival itself, claiming it promotes porn and 'alternative lifestyles' which do not fit with Utah's values. Earlier this year, a Colorado bill was introduced that would offer up to $34m in refundable tax credits for any film festival. The festival reached a 10-year deal with city officials. The festival has seen major premieres over the years including Little Miss Sunshine, Get Out, Juno, Reservoir Dogs and Call Me by Your Name. This year's festival saw a slower sales market than usual with many buzzy titles still awaiting acquisition.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sundance Film Festival to remain in Utah: reports
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — After rumblings that the Sundance Film Festival could relocate to Cincinnati, the festival will remain in Park City, Utah. According to a report from our NBC affiliate WLWT, the film festival will remain in Utah for the time being. The President and CEO of Film Cincinnati, Kristen Schlotman, released a statement regarding the decision. Wright State grad talks 'Seeds,' top honor at Sundance While Cincinnati was not selected to host the Sundance Film Festival, we are proud of how our city demonstrated its dynamic role within the film industry. Our proposal focused on long-term sustainability, growth, equity, accessibility, and aimed to deliver a unique and elevated festival experience—all qualities that mirror the evolving priorities of film festivals worldwide. Kristen Schlotman, president and CEO of Film Cincinnati. City council members raised $5 million in an effort to bring the festival to the Queen City. The city was named a finalist destination for the festival back in September. The film festival has spent the entirety of its history in Utah (since 1978). The potential move would've went into effect in 2027. For more information on this story, check out WLWT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
