Sundance Film Festival is leaving Utah after more than four decades! Here is where it’s headed next and why they decided to make the move to another state.
After over 40 years of celebrating independent cinema in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is officially moving to a new home. Starting in 2027, the prestigious festival will take place in Boulder, Colorado, marking the first time it will be held outside of Utah since its founding in 1981 by Robert Redford.
The Sundance Institute announced the move in a news release, citing Boulder’s “small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene” as key factors in the decision. Robert Redford himself expressed gratitude for Park City’s long-standing role in the festival’s success but acknowledged the opportunity for growth in Boulder.
“I founded the Sundance Institute with a commitment to discovering and developing independent artists, with the Sundance Film Festival serving as the platform for stories to help expand audiences and broaden the landscape,” Robert Redford said in a statement. “That mission remains even more critical today and will continue to be our core principle.”
The festival’s relocation has sparked excitement in Colorado, with Governor Jared Polis celebrating the decision as a major win for the state’s arts and film industries. “Here in our state, we celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture. Now, with the addition of the iconic Sundance Film Festival, we can expect even more jobs, a huge benefit for our small businesses including stores and restaurants,” Polis stated.
Cincinnati, Ohio was also considered as a finalist for the festival’s new home, but ultimately, Boulder won out. The Sundance Film Festival will remain in Park City for its final run in January 2026 before officially transitioning to Colorado in 2027.
The move signifies a new chapter for the world-renowned festival, promising fresh opportunities for independent filmmakers and cinephiles alike in a brand-new setting.
