Exciting news for film lovers! Boulder, Colorado, has officially been chosen to host the renowned Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027, marking a significant departure from its longtime home in Park City, Utah.

Founded in 1978 by the legendary Robert Redford, Sundance has become a marquee event in the film industry, attracting over 20,000 attendees annually to the picturesque ski town of Park City.

The competition for the festival's new location was stiff, with other contenders like Salt Lake City and Cincinnati vying for the honor. Kristen Schlotman, CEO of Film Cincinnati, expressed pride in her city’s efforts to showcase its vibrant role in the film industry—a testament to the growing importance of regional film festivals across the United States.

Despite Park City serving as the festival’s primary venue for decades, Sundance has also held events in Salt Lake City, making a move to a nearby location seem plausible. However, Boulder’s charm ultimately won out, described in a press release as having 'small-town allure, a passionate community, stunning natural scenery, and a lively arts scene.'

Robert Redford himself commented, 'What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining. As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival.' He emphasized that this transition would uphold the festival's mission to support innovative storytellers and bring compelling narratives to audiences worldwide.

Boulder’s commitment to embracing both emerging and established filmmakers was echoed by Eugene Hernandez, the festival’s head of programming. He lauded the city for being ready to welcome a diverse array of storytellers—something sure to enhance the festival's reputation as a hub for creative expression.

The decision to move comes in consideration of various factors, particularly the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Utah, which has drawn criticism from community members and festival supporters alike. This shift reflects a broader trend of festivals contemplating their alignment with social and political climates in their host cities.

Adding to the excitement, Colorado has recently introduced legislation offering up to $34 million in refundable tax credits for film festivals, signaling a robust commitment to supporting the film industry as it continues to flourish.

Sundance has a storied history of launching iconic films like Little Miss Sunshine, Get Out, Juno, Reservoir Dogs, and Call Me by Your Name. However, the 2023 festival faced unprecedented challenges, with many much-anticipated films still waiting for distribution deals in a slower market than past years.

With a decade-long agreement in place, the anticipation for Boulder to showcase the future of Sundance is palpable. Get ready; the festival's next chapter promises to be more thrilling and impactful than ever!