Boulder makes bid for Sundance Film Festival

Proposal would move iconic event from Utah in 2027

By Shay Castle - June 26, 2024
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Boulder is bidding to become the new home of the iconic Sundance Film Festival. A formal proposal was submitted by the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder), the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado and the Stanley Film Center in Estes Park.

“Visit Boulder is proud to be working alongside state and local partners that are passionate about welcoming the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado,” said Charlene Hoffman, Visit Boulder CEO, in a prepared statement. “Hosting the Festival is an exciting opportunity to showcase and expand on Boulder’s history as a center of arts and culture, including film. The timing of the Sundance Film Festival aligns with a relatively slow period of visitor activity in Boulder in January, which will provide an important boost to local businesses, especially for lodging, restaurants and retail.”

Sundance Institute, the organization behind the nation’s largest independent film festival, in April announced its intentions to explore new locations after the current contract ends in 2026. The event has been held in Park City and Provo, Utah, since 1981.

Festival officials have not explicitly stated why they are considering a move, but many believe Utah’s anti-LGBTQ laws were a factor. Sundance published an explainer on HB257, which restricts changing room and restroom access for gender non-conforming individuals, and a news release announcing the bidding process stated, “The Institute is making sure that inclusivity and sustainability are always at the forefront of the festival experience.”

Multiple outlets reported 15 cities being in the running to host the festival, including Santa Fe (NM), San Francisco (CA) and Savannah (GA). Utah also submitted a bid to keep the festival in-state.

An affiliated Directors Lab already relocated to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Amy Redford, daughter of festival founder Robert Redford, sits on the committee. Robert Redford attended CU Boulder and worked at The Sink in Boulder.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission pledged $1.5 million if the festival relocates to Boulder.

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