Boulder, Colorado Selected as Finalist in Bid to Host Sundance Film Festival Beginning in 2027

Boulder, Colorado: A Dream of Hosting the Sundance Film Festival

If selected, hosting the Festival in Colorado will create new jobs, attract out-of-state visitors, and boost winter tourism that will support small businesses in Boulder and surrounding areas while elevating Colorado’s creative industries.

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder, Colorado, is buzzing with excitement after being selected as a finalist to host the renowned Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027. This selection is more than just an honor; it represents a vision for the future—a future where creativity thrives, communities flourish, and small businesses benefit from an influx of visitors.

As the news spread, Governor Jared Polis expressed his enthusiasm: “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.”

The journey to this moment began with a compelling proposal crafted by the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder), backed by a coalition of local partners, including the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Stanley Film Center. Their collective effort showcases Boulder’s vibrant community and commitment to the arts.

Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder, noted the power of collaboration in their proposal: “We are thrilled to be selected as a finalist in the search for a Sundance Film Festival host and welcome the opportunity to work with a collaborative partner like the Sundance Institute, which we believe shares our commitment to elevating the arts and supporting local communities. It is the truly collective nature of our proposal and the partnership with Nuria Vandermyde, Boulder City Manager; John Tayer, CEO and President of the Boulder Chamber; and Lori Call, Associate Vice Chancellor for Local Government and Community Engagement for the University of Colorado Boulder, that sets us apart.”

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a one-time $1.5 million incentive to bolster their bid and contributions from the City of Boulder and regional partners exceeding one-to-one. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) added another $325,000 to the proposal, reflecting the community’s commitment to making this dream a reality.

“Being selected as a finalist is a testament to the creativity and collaboration of Visit Boulder, Film Commissioner Donald Zuckerman, OEDIT Deputy Director Jeff Kraft, and the many partners who recognize that hosting the Sundance Film Festival will elevate the arts, generate new jobs for Coloradans, and support small businesses that rely on tourism,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman. “OEDIT and the Film Office will continue to do our part to showcase how our state is a great fit for the Sundance Film Festival and can help the Festival achieve even greater success.”

The prospect of hosting the festival feels like a transformative opportunity for Colorado’s film, television, and media landscape. Donald Zuckerman, the Colorado Film Commissioner, shared his thoughts on the impact this event could have: “Hosting the Sundance Film Festival in Colorado would be transformational for film, television, and media in our state. Filmmakers from the Sundance Institute’s prestigious Directors Lab, held at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park this May, are already expressing interest in filming here. We can think of no better partner than the Sundance Institute to help elevate this type of storytelling in Colorado and hope to welcome the Festival in 2027.”

As Boulder prepares for the next chapter, the community stands united, eager to showcase its beauty, creativity, and collaborative spirit. The dream of hosting the Sundance Film Festival is not just about the festival itself; it’s about the lasting impact it will have on the city and its people, igniting a passion for the arts and supporting the local economy for years to come.