BOULDER, Colo. — The Sundance Institute on Thursday narrowed its list of finalists to host its film festival starting in 2027, and a Colorado city made the cut.
The City of Boulder's bid to host the festival advanced to the final phase of the selection process. The other two finalist cities are Cincinnati, and Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.
Boulder submitted a proposal in June to host the nation's largest independent film festival that has been held in Utah since 1978 in Park City, Salt Lake City, and at the Sundance Resort near Provo. In April, the Sundance Institute initiated a process to consider a new host location starting in 2027.
Six finalists were named in July, and the final three finalists were named on Thursday. The decision on the new host city will be announced next year, after the 2025 film festival, the institute said.
“Boulder is the next natural home to the Sundance Film Festival and we are excited to be one of three finalists to host starting in 2027," Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a news release. "Here in Colorado we cherish our creative communities, the jobs they create, and the economic contributions they make to our entire state, and the Sundance Film Festival would perfectly complement the work and creative activity already happening here in Colorado.”
The Sundance Institute said as part of its evaluation process, it assessed each city's infrastructure, ethos and equity values and event capabilities, and how each finalist could sustainably service and support the festival's community of artists and audiences.
“It has been a remarkable privilege to showcase Boulder’s artistic, hospitality and values-driven culture to the Sundance Institute as they search for a new home for the Sundance Film Festival," said Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder. "Being selected as a finalist reaffirms how closely Boulder aligns with the Festival’s vision and needs. Throughout this process, our local and state partners have demonstrated unwavering support, making this collaboration truly exceptional. As we enter the next phase of the selection process, we remain fully committed to putting forth our best effort and look forward to deepening our partnership with the Sundance Institute."
The 2023 Sundance Film Festival contributed more than $118 million to Utah's economy while creating 1,608 jobs for Utah residents and $63 million in wages, according to Boulder officials. More than 21,000 visitors came from out of state to attend last year's Sundance Film Festival.
The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a one-time $1.5 million incentive as part of Colorado’s proposal to host the festival.
The Business Funding and Incentives division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) contributed $325,000 to the proposal, including $250,000 from the COFTM over five years and one-time contributions from the Colorado Tourism Office ($50,000) and Colorado Creative Industries ($25,000).