And, that’s a wrap: Sundance Film Festival moving to Colorado
Mar 27, 2025, 11:46 AM | Updated: 2:30 pm
People gather outside of the Egyptian Theatre during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on Main Street in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — It’s official. The Sundance Film Festival will move to Boulder, Colorado in 2027.
The Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees made the announcement on Thursday. The festival has been a staple in Utah’s culture for decades.
“This decision was informed by a detailed evaluation of the key components essential to creating our Festival. During the process, it became clear that Boulder is the ideal location in which to build our Festival’s future, marking a key strategic step in its natural evolution,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board chair, in a press release.
Big news! Sundance Film Festival reveals Boulder, Colorado as our new location starting in 2027 and beyond. The annual event by the nonprofit Sundance Institute will continue to entertain and inspire audiences through independent film. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎬
Read… pic.twitter.com/KbjgO1JDNO
— Sundance Film Festival (@sundancefest) March 27, 2025
Reactions as Boulder announced as new festival home
Gov. Spencer Cox released a statement upon hearing the news.
While we’re disappointed by Sundance’s decision to leave Utah, we wish them continued success in their next chapter. For more than 40 years, Utah has supported the Sundance Film Festival to become a global force in film, art, and culture.
Cox said that the state will continue to support filmmakers and build a world-class film economy in Utah.
According to the Associated Press, Sundance founder Robert Redford supports the move. However, Redford gave his gratitude to Utah for “helping build the organization.”
“What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining,” he said in a statement. “As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival.”
Sundance in pictures:
Park City Mayor Nann Worel said the city and the Utah Bid Committee put their “heart and soul” into trying to keep the festival.
“Sundance’s departure marks the end of an incredible era, but not the end of Park City’s magic,” said Worel. “For over 40 years, we weren’t just the host of the Sundance Film Festival – Park City was part of the beating heart of the independent spirit that made it such a success. While I am deeply disappointed, I’m grateful for the legacy we built together.”
Related: A ‘huge mistake’? Cox says moving film festival would ‘devastate’ Utah, Sundance
