BOULDER, Colo., March 31, 2025 - the Sundance Institute announced Boulder, Colorado as the new host of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. Here is what business, community and education leaders are saying about the news:
“From the very first moment we got word that the Sundance Film Festival might consider relocating, the effort to draw them to Boulder has been a collaborative effort that is indicative of Colorado’s character. I want to thank Governor Polis and our partners at Visit Boulder, in particular, for the leadership in getting us to this momentous occasion. At the same time, the Boulder Chamber and the business community we represent understand what an immense responsibility we will be assuming with the selection of Boulder as the new host city for the Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance Film Festival is an international cultural asset with global expectations for a successful transition that builds toward an exciting future vision of growth and impact. We also understand the importance of the Sundance Film Festival to the artists and story tellers it serves. We want to retain and expand the magic of their experience with the festival. The Boulder Chamber is fully committed to playing its role in achieving those goals for the Sundance Film Festival.” - John Tayer, President & CEO of the Boulder Chamber
“This accomplishment is the result of incredible collaboration - one of the very attributes that makes our city great. We look forward to ensuring that the Sundance Film Festival flourishes here and that participants continue to enjoy a world-class experience.” - City of Boulder Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado as this cements our state’s place as one of the country’s great art capitals. With Denver’s iconic venues, like Red Rocks Amphitheater and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, along with our rapidly growing world-class film and art community, there isn’t a better place in the world for Sundance Film Festival to make their home. This will bring incredible opportunity to Denver and our entire state, and I cannot wait to see the next generation of filmmakers get discovered right here in Colorado.” - Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
“The University of Colorado Boulder is thrilled to join the cast and crew bringing the legendary Sundance Film Festival to Colorado. We are excited for tens of thousands of festival guests to experience what we already know: Boulder is an incredible place to immerse yourself in the arts, culture, nature and history that make life worth living. I’m delighted by the opportunities the festival will offer to our students, faculty, staff and extended community.” - University of Colorado Boulder Chancellor, Justin Schwartz
“I’m thrilled we have been selected to host the Sundance Film Festival. Our great state and the dynamic city of Boulder are the perfect match for this world class film festival. The University of Colorado is excited to be part of showcasing this amazing experience not just locally but to the entire world. We’re honored to be a part of this exciting opportunity.” - University of Colorado President Todd Saliman
"Visit Longmont is proud to support Visit Boulder and partners in its bid to become the new home of the Sundance Film Festival. As a vibrant hub for creative arts, innovation, and sustainability, this opportunity will not only enrich the cultural landscape of the area but also further solidify Northern Colorado's position as a premier destination for filmmakers and creatives alike." - Sarah Leonard, Visit Longmont CEO
“On behalf of Visit Denver, our nearly 1,200 members and our board of directors, we welcome Sundance Film Festival to Boulder for what we know will be a long and beneficial relationship for all involved. Denver maintains a tremendous commitment to the development of arts & culture. Our groundbreaking Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) is a seven-county tax district that distributes more than $80 million annually and supports more than 300 organizations throughout the metro area, including Boulder. Visit Denver will be thrilled to work with Sundance Film Festival to leverage this community to help build a runway for the most successful Sundance Film Festival yet.” - Visit Denver CEO Richard Scharf
“Bringing the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder Colorado is a dream come true. Boulder embodies the independent spirit and innovation that has always been at the heart of the festival. Our University and Artistic communities are ready to embrace and welcome this exciting next chapter of Sundance.” - Paula DuPré Pesmen, Producer and Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner 2024
“In Colorado, we know the power of the arts and the creative economy to uplift diverse voices and create a strong sense of belonging. Our state’s collective commitment to the arts will ensure that the Sundance Film Festival thrives in Boulder, just as the Festival’s presence here will elevate our creative industries and our reputation as a cultural hub.” - Josh Blanchard, Colorado Creative Industries Director
Hosting the internationally-renowned Sundance Film Festival in Boulder is an incredible win for Colorado businesses and residents that rely on tourism. Restaurants and retailers in Boulder and the surrounding region, including Denver, will benefit from increased business during a quiet time of year and ski communities will experience incremental visitation as festival attendees from around the world extend their stays or plan return visits. We are thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado! - Timothy Wolfe, Colorado Tourism Office Director
“Throughout the competitive proposal process, the Sundance Institute conducted a thorough and thoughtful review as it considered the next best home for the Sundance Film Festival. Together with the many Coloradans who supported this effort, we have developed strong partnerships that will ensure the Festival thrives in Colorado while creating new jobs and strengthening Colorado’s thriving economy.” - Jeff Kraft, Deputy Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
“We are absolutely delighted that Boulder has been selected as the new home for the Sundance Film Festival! Sundance’s independent and creative spirit is the perfect match for Boulder’s vibrant and inclusive culture. We look forward to being an integral part of this next chapter of Sundance’s future,” said City of Boulder Mayor, Aaron Brockett Mayor
“The arrival of the Sundance Film Festival shines a powerful spotlight on Boulder’s vibrant creative community, highlighting the artists and innovators who make this city a hub for new ideas. Sundance will deepen connections, spark new collaborations, and elevate the incredible artistic energy that already thrives here. We are excited for the world to experience Boulder’s dynamic arts and culture scene and look forward to the inspiration and opportunities the Festival will bring.” - Deborah Malden, Create Boulder Board Chair
“The incredible filmmaking industry in Boulder, and the entire region, is excited to welcome the Sundance Film Festival in 2027. We feel there is great synergy, and the Boulder County Film Commission, along with our immense creative community, looks forward to working with the Sundance Institute so they can continue to thrive as a global leader in independent storytelling and filmmaking.” - Bruce Borowsky, Boulder County Film Commissioner
“We here at the Boulder International Film Festival are pleased to hear that the Sundance Film Festival has selected Boulder as its next location. We look forward to working with the Sundance team to help bring the acclaimed festival to Boulder. BIFF just celebrated its most successful event to date. We look forward to continuing to grow and thrive, with the Sundance Film Festival as a neighbor, for many years to come,” - Kathy Beeck, Cofounder & Director of Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF)
"Visit Longmont is proud to support Visit Boulder and partners in its bid to become the new home of the Sundance Film Festival. As a vibrant hub for creative arts, innovation, and sustainability, this opportunity will not only enrich the cultural landscape of the area but also further solidify Northern Colorado's position as a premier destination for filmmakers and creatives alike." - Sarah Leonard, Visit Longmont CEO
“In a world where beautiful vistas, freedom, and economic vitality are sought by all, one state stands alone— Colorado. Coming soon to theaters near you: the 2027 Sundance Film Festival. This is a historic moment for Boulder and for our state as a whole. Through powerful storytelling, films entertain and educate, build community connections and expand our understanding of society at large. Welcoming the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado in 2027 will elevate this important storytelling medium across the state while putting our creative economy on the global stage.” - Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie
“This announcement is a win for small businesses, which are the economic backbone of Colorado’s economy. The Sundance Film Festival will bring visitors during a traditionally quiet time of year and put Colorado on a new global map, encouraging more people to visit our state and frequent the small businesses that support our thriving tourism industry.” - Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese.
“Hosting the Sundance Film Festival in Colorado is an incredible opportunity to elevate the creative industries and create new jobs for Coloradans. I am thrilled that the Sundance Institute recognizes our unique abilities to support the next chapter of the Festival and look forward to celebrating the opening of the 2027 Festival.” - Colorado Senate President James Coleman
“Bringing the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado shows the power of bipartisan collaboration. Collectively, we recognized the difference this opportunity will make for small businesses, creative entrepreneurs and our tourism industry. I am grateful the Sundance Institute recognized the many benefits of making Colorado the Festival’s home and know this iconic event will thrive in our state.” - Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez
“Today’s announcement elevates Colorado’s presence on a global stage and will create incredible opportunities for our small businesses that rely on tourism. Congratulations to the many Coloradans who worked hard to make today a reality and welcome to the Sundance Film Festival.” - Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen
“We here at the Boulder International Film Festival are pleased to hear that the Sundance Film Festival has selected Boulder as its next location. We look forward to working with the Sundance team to help bring the acclaimed festival to Boulder. BIFF just celebrated its most successful event to date. We look forward to continuing to grow and thrive, with the Sundance Film Festival as a neighbor, for many years to come.” - Boulder International Film Festival Co-founder & Director Kathy Beeck
"Boulder's commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression is evident in the numerous film screenings, art exhibitions, and cultural events that take place year-round. Hosting the Sundance Film Festival is a natural extension of these efforts and also provides an unparalleled platform for showcasing groundbreaking independent films to an eager and appreciative audience." - Mardi Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Rocky Mountain Equality
“Bravo Colorado! Becoming the new home for the Sundance Film Festival is a huge win for our state's economy and artistic vibrancy. We are excited about the opportunities for our local creative ecosystem and further cementing Colorado as a cultural hub on a regional, national and global scale.” - Christin Crampton Day, Executive Director of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)
“We are thrilled to hear that Boulder was chosen to host the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027. We look forward to showcasing Colorado’s restaurants and the broader hospitality industry to attendees. We know this will be a stimulus to our local restaurants at a time when it is very much needed.” - Sonia Riggs, President and CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association
About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.
About Visit Boulder, the Convention and Visitors Bureau
Visit Boulder, the Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1985, Visit Boulder strengthens the local economy by inspiring visitor connections to Boulder’s vibrant landscape and unique culture.
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