The Sundance Film Festival will be making a move to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027 after more than 40 years in Park City, Utah, organizers announced Thursday.
"Boulder offers small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene, making it the ideal location for the Festival to grow," the Sundance Institute said in a news release.
The Sundance Institute conducted a year-long process consisting of proposals and site visits to different cities to determine which location would suit the festivities best. Finalist cities include Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough explained that this decision was “informed by a detailed evaluation of the key components essential to creating our Festival.”
“We have a profound appreciation for the finalist cities and their communities — including Boulder, Colorado, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City, Utah — who presented overwhelmingly strong proposals and dedicated their time, passion, and commitment every step of the way," Burnough said.
The institute envisions using Boulder’s downtown theaters and venues as the heart of the festival. Spaces around Pearl Street Mall may be used, which is a pedestrian-only street, according to the institute.
"As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival," Sundance Institute President and Founder Robert Redford said. "This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.
Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett is "delighted" to welcome the film festival to its new home.
"Sundance’s independent and creative spirit is the perfect match for Boulder’s vibrant and inclusive culture," Mayor Brockett said. "We thank the Sundance Institute’s leadership for putting their faith in us, and we look forward to a long and creative partnership."
Though Park City Mayor Nann Worel is "deeply disappointed," she said this is "not the end of Park City’s magic."
"For the past year, we put our heart and soul into finding a way to keep Sundance in Utah," Mayor Worel said. "I am proud of our team in Park City and thankful to the Utah Bid Committee for their commitment and creativity."
"Frankly, I don’t know if there is anything else we could have done," she added.
