Thu Mar 27 17:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Sundance Film Festival Leaving Utah After 42 Years

**PARK CITY, Utah** – After 42 years in Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is relocating to Boulder, Colorado, beginning in 2027. The festival, synonymous with independent film and the unique blend of mountain life and Hollywood culture, announced the move Thursday.

Festival organizers cited Boulder’s “small-town charm, engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and vibrant arts scene” as key factors in their decision. They stated that the festival had outgrown Park City, following a selection process that also considered Salt Lake City and Cincinnati.

Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough emphasized that the move represents a strategic step in the festival’s evolution. Founder Robert Redford expressed gratitude to Park City and Utah, acknowledging the inevitability of change and the need for growth to ensure the festival’s continued success. The Institute will maintain a presence in Utah.

While organizers denied that politics influenced the decision, speculation abounds that recent Utah legislation, including a bill banning Pride flags in public spaces, played a role. An anonymous source cited the bill as undermining the inclusive community Sundance has cultivated. This contrasts with Colorado’s reported offer of substantial tax incentives to lure the festival.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox had publicly expressed his desire to keep the festival in the state, highlighting the strong association between Sundance and Utah. However, some Park City businesses reported decreased sales during the festival, despite the significant tourism it attracted. Others emphasized the festival’s cultural importance and its contribution to diverse perspectives. The 2026 festival will be the last in Park City.

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