Colorado city selected as a finalist to host Sundance Film Festival

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Boulder is one step closer to hosting one of the biggest film festivals.

On Friday, the Sundance Institute named Boulder as one of six finalist cities to host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027.

The Robert Redford-founded festival has been held in Utah since 1978, supporting independent filmmakers and storytellers on an international stage. However, in April, the Sundance Institute, the nonprofit that oversees the festival, began exploring options for new host cities.

The other finalist cities include:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Santa Fe, New Mexico

“I am so excited that Colorado is a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival. 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. 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,” said Gov. Jared Polis. on X

In June, Colorado on behalf of the Boulder Convention, Visitors Bureau and a regional coalition of partners, announced plans to submit a proposal to host the festival.

According to the State of Colorado, hosting the festival in Boulder would create hundreds of new jobs, attract out-of-state visitors and boost winter tourism as the festival is usually held at the beginning of the year.

The institute said its contract with Park City is up for renewal in 2027 , but Boulder has to contend with another Utah city that was also named as a finalist — Salt Lake City.

Members of the Sundance Institute will visit each of the six cities before making their final decision in early 2025.

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