The Sundance Film Festival, a historic indie film event founded by Robert Redford in the 1970s, is facing significant changes as it prepares to move to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. This transition comes in a time marked by challenges, including declining sales and a lack of breakout hits.
Boulder, located approximately 30 miles north of Denver, triumphed over Salt Lake City/Park City and Cincinnati, Ohio, in the final bidding process. Industry insiders have expressed optimism regarding this decision, suggesting that the shift is both welcome and necessary for the festival’s longevity.
Filmmaker Carla Gutierrez, who has attended Sundance since 2004, reflected on the bittersweet nature of this change: “It’s kind of sad not to go to a Sundance in Park City, but I am also excited about the possibilities for improvements in a new location.” She noted rising festival costs and the reduction of screening venues as reasons to hope for better prospects in Boulder.
The festival’s current financial struggles are evident, with the Sundance Institute reporting losses of $6.2 million in fiscal year 2023 on revenues of $45.6 million against expenses nearing $52 million. This period has also seen a challenging market for film sales, with the 2025 festival criticized for its programming, which failed to produce significant breakout films that were once the hallmark of Sundance.
Sophia Dilley, EVP of Concord Originals, praised the move to Boulder, emphasizing that Park City’s infrastructure had become inadequate for the festival’s size. She stated, “The move to Boulder signifies a shift in scope and a genuine effort to better support a growing audience and a wider variety of projects showcased at the festival.”
A talent agent echoed this sentiment, asserting that Boulder aligns more closely with the cultural ethos that Sundance has cultivated over the years. The agent pointed out that while Cincinnati’s pitch was impressive, Boulder ultimately presents a better cultural fit, fostering a progressive atmosphere compared to Salt Lake City’s more conservative backdrop.
Redford himself remarked on the necessity of evolution for the festival’s survival, stating, “This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk-taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.” This evolution is also expected to make the festival more accessible, addressing concerns from attendees who felt priced out in recent years.
Gutierrez expressed her affection for Sundance, highlighting its commitment to supporting diverse filmmakers and creative voices. She remains hopeful that making the festival more affordable could positively influence filmmakers presenting their work.
Jim Cummings, who won the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at the 2016 Sundance for “Thunder Road,” shared his relief at the resolution of the festival’s location uncertainty, stating, “It’s great for Boulder.”
The upcoming move to Boulder represents a critical juncture for the Sundance Film Festival and the future of indie cinema. The 2025 festival experienced a dishearteningly low number of sales, with only one film sold in the first six days, leading to increasing dissatisfaction among attendees regarding the vitality of the programming. This festival has historically been the launchpad for groundbreaking films, yet the recent lineup has not produced any significant standout projects.
Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO of the Sundance Institute, emphasized Boulder’s potential as a thriving hub for the festival, describing it as an “art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town”. The festival plans to utilize a variety of venues in downtown Boulder, including spaces around the Pearl Street Mall, to enhance accessibility and engagement.
While the venue change may rejuvenate the festival atmosphere, the independent film market continues to face significant challenges, particularly for documentaries. Gutierrez acknowledged the current political climate’s influence on the market, expressing concerns over potential censorship and the reluctance to embrace diverse narratives. However, she remains hopeful about the future of filmmaking, asserting that those creating art in the margins have always thrived at Sundance.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, which will be the last held in Park City, there are whispers that it will be a celebratory event, marking the transition to Boulder.
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