The Sundance Film Festival is heading to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. While festival organizers and Colorado officials are celebrating the move, it’s leaving many Utah leaders and artists disappointed.
The Sundance Institute announced last month that the festival will relocate from its longtime home in Park City, Utah, where it has taken place for more than 40 years. Organizers said that the move to Boulder reflects the festival’s evolving mission to support independent storytelling while expanding its reach. The change marks a major shift for one of the world’s most influential film festivals and has sparked mixed reactions across the film community.
The Sundance Institute was founded by Robert Redford in Utah in 1981. The festival was created to support independent filmmakers and help connect their work with audiences.
The festival has become one of the biggest and most impactful events for showcasing art, new voices and original storytelling. Each year, the festival helps launch new talent and gives audiences a first look at bold and creative work.
In the Sundance Institute's official press release, festival leaders described Boulder as a natural fit, praising its blend of arts, technology, nature and education.
“Their vibrant community of artists, enthusiastic audiences and breathtaking Rocky Mountains will provide the setting for the future of independent film,” the Sundance Film Festival wrote on X.
The festival is moving to Boulder because organizers say that Boulder’s community makes it a strong new home for the festival, and that the city reflects Redford’s original mission to support bold and independent storytelling.
The move is said to keep the festival experience intact while continuing to grow within a community that values creativity, independent thinking and social impact.
Redford said the festival’s purpose remains vital and that relocating will help it grow while staying focused on its original mission.
“This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence and entertaining and enlightening audiences,” Redford said in the press release.
Redford also thanked Utah for playing a deeply meaningful role in shaping Sundance over the past four decades.
While organizers celebrated the move, many in Utah expressed frustration and sadness. The festival was based in Park City since its founding in 1981, and many consider it a cultural cornerstone of the state.
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox responded on X, wishing the festival success, but calling the decision a mistake.
“For more than 40 years, Utah has supported the Sundance Film Festival to become a global force in film, art and culture,” Gov. Cox said. “One day, they’ll realize they left behind not just a place, but their heritage.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, a former Sundance Institute employee, also posted a statement on X responding to and criticizing the move.
“Unfortunately, the current leadership has lost sight of the legacy and spirit that has been a staple of the organization for nearly 50 years,” Wilson wrote.
Park City Mayor Nann Worel shared similar disappointment in a statement shared by Park City Municipal on X, adding that the city worked hard to keep Sundance.
“While I am deeply disappointed, I’m grateful for the legacy we built together,” Worel said.
Others in Utah’s creative industry also weighed in.
Several artists and members of the creative industry in Utah posted on social media, reacting to the move. Brandon Cummings, co-founder of Group Project, called the move “devastating” in his LinkedIn post.
“Today, a bomb dropped on filmmakers and creatives in Utah,” Cummings wrote.
Local film organizations emphasized that independent cinema will continue to thrive in Utah, even without Sundance.
The Salt Lake Film Society made an official statement on the future of independent film in Utah, and called Utah “a cornerstone of independent film,” pointing to its passionate audiences, skilled crews and historic venues.
“While Sundance’s decision may be disappointing to some, it does not change the fact that Utah remains home to one of the most passionate and engaged moviegoing communities in the nation,” the Salt Lake Film Society wrote.
The Utah Film Center also reaffirmed its commitment to the state’s filmmakers and audiences in a press release recognizing the loss of the festival in Utah.
“While we are sad to lose the geographic connection to the Sundance Film Festival, our Sundance friendships remain strong,” Mariah Mellus, executive director of The Utah Film Center, said in the press release. “We look back at Sundance’s contribution to a 100-year legacy of film in Utah, and forward to the bright future era of film in Utah.”
Amanda Kelso, acting Sundance Institute CEO, said the decision followed a detailed year-long process including site visits, proposals and community input, according to a news release from the institute.
Kelso described Boulder as a place where the festival can grow while remaining grounded in its original purpose.
“This is the beginning of a bold, new journey as we invite everyone to be part of our community and to be entertained and inspired,” Kelso said.
According to organizers, Boulder offers the right infrastructure and atmosphere to expand programming while keeping the event accessible and rooted in independent creativity.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomed the news, calling Boulder the perfect fit for Sundance’s future.
“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,” Polis said in the press release.
He said the move will boost Colorado’s creative economy, support local businesses and draw global tourism to the state.
“Powerful films tell our stories: who we were, who we are and who we aspire to be,” Polis wrote on X.
Polis also thanked the Sundance Institute, the City of Boulder, local organizations and bipartisan lawmakers who helped make the move possible.
The Sundance Institute is working with the Boulder host committee to prepare to welcome festival goers with open arms. The city’s downtown area, Pearl Street Mall and venues near the University of Colorado Boulder are expected to serve as festival hubs.
Plans are also underway to enhance infrastructure and accommodations to keep the experience accessible and affordable.