In a groundbreaking announcement, the Sundance Film Festival, America’s most influential independent film event, will move from its long-standing home in Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. The news, shared by industry insider Matthew Belloni on X on March 27, 2025, marks the end of an era for the festival, which has been synonymous with Park City since its inception in 1978.
It’s official: The Sundance Film Festival has chosen to move from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado. Announcement is coming soon. End of an era for America’s most influential film fest. @sundancefest
— Matthew Belloni (@MattBelloni) March 27, 2025
The decision follows a rigorous selection process by the Sundance Institute, which named Boulder, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City/Park City as finalists in December 2024. Boulder emerged as the top choice, praised for its creative community and alignment with Sundance’s values of fostering independent storytelling. The move comes amid financial pressures in Park City, where the ski season has become more lucrative than the festival, prompting a search for a more sustainable host city.
Sundance, founded by Robert Redford, has long been a launchpad for indie filmmakers, debuting iconic films like Reservoir Dogs and The Blair Witch Project. While the relocation to Boulder promises new opportunities, it also raises questions about the festival’s identity without its historic Park City backdrop.
