Sundance's move to Boulder may reshape the indie film scene

This year's festival was the final Sundance in Park City after more than 40 years, and the Sundance Institute plans to relocate the festival to downtown Boulder in 2027 with financial incentives from local and state authorities.

The Sundance Film Festival held its final edition in Park City after more than four decades, prompting reflection and nostalgia among attendees and filmmakers. The festival honored its history during the event and paid tribute to founder Robert Redford, who died in September. Organizers announced that Sundance will be centered in downtown Boulder beginning in 2027. Reactions in Park City ranged from relief among some residents to disappointment from others who valued the festival's local role. Key facts: - This was the last Sundance to take place in Park City after more than 40 years. - The festival will relocate to downtown Boulder in 2027, with events planned for the Pearl Street Mall and parts of the University of Colorado Boulder campus. - Boulder’s winning proposal includes $34 million in local incentives over 10 years, alongside $34 million in state tax incentives. - The Sundance Institute will remain based in Utah, while some festival operations will be run from Boulder. - Organizers cited rising local costs, accessibility concerns, and the desire for a reset as factors in the decision. Summary: The move ends a long chapter for Park City and shifts the festival’s center to a college town setting that organizers hope will broaden participation and introduce new audiences. Sundance will stage its main programming in downtown Boulder beginning in 2027 while maintaining institutional ties to Utah, and the festival will operate under the terms of the incentive packages offered by Boulder and Colorado.