Boulder could be the site of the Sundance Film Festival, starting in 2027.
The Sundance Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and their stories, announced last Friday that Boulder is a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival. The festival is a major event in the independent film world, showcasing new work from American and international filmmakers. It has been a launching pad for many successful films and filmmakers and continues to be an important platform for independent storytelling.
Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder) submitted a proposal to host the festival with support from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Colorado Office of Film Television and Media, and other entities like the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Stanley Film Center.
To help support the proposal, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a one-time $1.5 million incentive. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade also contributed an additional $325,000 to the proposal, including $250,000 from the Colorado Office of Film Television and Media over five years and one-time contributions from the Colorado Tourism Office and Colorado Creative Industries.
“I am so excited that Colorado is a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival. With the beautiful backdrop of the Flatirons, Boulder’s historical ties to the Redford Family, and the capacity to support a growing, inclusive festival, we are confident that Boulder, Colorado is the right home for the Sundance Film Festival,” said Gov. Jared Polis in a statement.
“I am thrilled the Sundance Institute recognizes the potential in relocating to my hometown and look forward to the many benefits this would bring to the entire state, as well as to the festival.”
The Sundance Film Festival, founded by Robert Redford in 1981, is the premier showcase for independent film. Held annually in Park City, Utah, the festival has launched count- less careers and films, including “Reservoir Dogs,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” and “Get Out.” Attracting over 120,000 attendees each year, Sundance is a major cultural event that champions new voices and innovative storytelling, shaping the future of cinema.
“Hosting the Sundance Film Festival in Colorado would be transformational for film, television and media in our state. Filmmakers from the Sundance Institute’s prestigious Directors Lab, held at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park this May, are already expressing interest in filming here,” said Colorado Film Commissioner Donald Zuckerman in a statement. “We can think of no better partner than the Sundance Institute to help elevate this type of storytelling in Colorado and hope to welcome the Festival in 2027.”
