Sundance Film Festival leaving Utah for Colorado after 40 years

Mar 27

Kennedy Felton Lifestyle Correspondent/Producer

By Kennedy Felton (Lifestyle Correspondent/Producer), Harry Fogle (Video Editor)

The Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027 after more than four decades in Utah. Following a months-long bid process, Boulder beat out Salt Lake City and Cincinnati to host the iconic independent film event.
The move comes amid political tensions in Utah. Park City mayor cited a bill banning Pride flags from government buildings as a challenge in retaining the festival.
Sundance’s departure could have significant economic impacts on Utah, as last year’s event generated $132 million in GDP and supported 1,730 jobs.

Full Story

The Sundance Film Festival is leaving Utah after more than four decades. Its new home? Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027.

Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™

The Sundance Institute announced the move after a months-long bid process that began in fall 2023. Boulder beat out two finalist cities—Salt Lake City, Utah and Cincinnati, Ohio—for the rights to host one of the world’s most iconic celebrations of independent film.

Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.

Point phone camera here

“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. We can’t imagine a better fit than Boulder,” said Amanda Kelso, acting CEO of the Sundance Institute, in the official announcement.

Festival relocation follows political tension in Utah

The decision to move the Sundance Film Festival comes amid growing tension between Utah’s conservative politics and the festival’s progressive values. Recently, Utah lawmakers passed a bill banning Pride flags from government buildings. At the time of the announcement, the governor had not yet signed or vetoed the bill.

Deadline reports Park City Mayor Nann Worel said she and her team worked with state elected officials and stakeholders to reimagine the festival’s role in Utah. However, political challenges made that difficult.

“Unfortunately, a recent bill passed by the Utah legislature and comments made by some legislators have not been helpful in our bid to keep the festival here,” Worel said in her annual State of Park City address.

Economic impact of Sundance leaving Utah

Beyond politics, the festival’s departure could have a lasting financial impact on Utah.

According to the 2024 Sundance Festival Economic Impact Report, last year’s event brought in $132 million in gross domestic product for the state. It supported 1,730 Utah jobs, generated $69.7 million in wages, and resulted in $13.8 million in state and local tax revenue.

Boulder officials welcome Sundance Film Festival

While Park City officials expressed disappointment, leaders in Boulder celebrated the announcement.

Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett thanked the Sundance Institute and told NBC News he’s looking forward to a “long and creative partnership.”

Tags: Colorado, Entertainment, film, Utah

[KENNEDY FELTON]

After more than forty years in Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is packing up and heading to a new home. The decision marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for one of the world’s most iconic celebrations of independent film.

Boulder, Colorado, has officially been tapped as the next host city for Sundance, beating out finalist cities Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The announcement follows a months-long bid process that began last fall. The move kicks off in 2027, ushering in a new era for the festival.

Some are pointing to political differences between the states as a potential factor, with Utah being a Republican-led state and Colorado firmly in Democratic control. The announcement comes two days after a report suggested Sundance’s future in Utah was already in doubt. The Utah governor is expected to decide on a bill banning Pride flags from government buildings within the next few days.

In her annual State of the Park City address, Mayor Nann Worel said she and the deputy city manager had worked closely with state lawmakers and stakeholders to reimagine Sundance’s future in Utah. But she said, “Unfortunately, a recent bill passed by the Utah legislature and comments made by some legislature have not been helpful in our bid to keep the festival here,” referring to the bill dealing with LGBTQ+ flags and banners.

The festival moving out of Salt Lake City could impact the economy. According to the 2024 Sundance Festival Economic Impact Report, Sundance generated $132 million in gross domestic product for Utah, more than 1,700 local jobs, $69.7 million in Utah wages, and $13.8 million in state and local tax revenue.

In a statement, Mayor Worel said she’s deeply disappointed but grateful for the decades-long partnership, adding she’s not sure there’s anything more her team could’ve done to keep the festival in Utah. Meanwhile, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett thanked the Sundance Institute, saying he’s looking forward to a long and creative partnership.