Boulder, Colorado, has been named as the new home for the Sundance film festival starting in 2027.
The festival, which was started in 1978 by Robert Redford, will move from its home in Park City, Utah. Sundance brings more than 20,000 people a year to the ski town, which many had seen as too small to house something of this size.
The cities in contention had been limited to Salt Lake City, Boulder and Cincinnati. Earlier today, Film Cincinnati’s CEO, Kristen Schlotman, released a statement to say she was “proud of how our city demonstrated its dynamic role within the film industry”.
While the main home of the festival had been Park City, there has long been a component in Salt Lake City, with screenings and events, leading many to assume a closer move.
A press release claims that Boulder offers “small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene”.
“What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining,” Redford said in a statement. “As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival. This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.”
Eugene Hernandez, the head of programming, said that Boulder was “ready to embrace emerging and established global storytellers, our staff and volunteers, and, of course, global audiences”.
The decision comes amid concern over anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Utah targeting Pride flags. A state senator, Daniel McCay, has been targeting the community and the festival itself, claiming it promotes porn and “alternative lifestyles” which do not fit with Utah’s values.
Earlier this year, a Colorado bill was introduced that would offer up to $34m in refundable tax credits for any film festival.
The festival reached a 10-year deal with city officials.
The festival has seen major premieres over the years including Little Miss Sunshine, Get Out, Juno, Reservoir Dogs and Call Me by Your Name. This year’s festival saw a slower sales market than usual with many buzzy titles still awaiting acquisition.
