PARK CITY, Utah — Boulder is among six cities named as finalists to host the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027, the Sundance Institute announced on Friday.
Last month, Boulder submitted a proposal 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.
The six cities named as finalists are:
- Atlanta
- Boulder
- Cincinnati
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Park City/Salt Lake City, Utah
- Santa Fe
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.
Members of the institute's selection committee will visit each finalist city in the coming weeks.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis praised Friday's announcement.
“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," he said 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 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).
“Getting to six finalists was a difficult decision," said Eugene Hernandez, festival director and director of public programming. "Each of these cities has a vibrant creative ecosystem, either expanding or established, and has enabled creativity to flourish in their cities through their support of the arts. These cities understand our ethos, are aligned with our key values, and have shown us interesting possibilities for partnership with our Festival — for our artists, audiences, and all who want to be a part of the Sundance Film Festival — and that makes us want to see more.”