Press conference to be held at 2 p.m. today in downtown Boulder
BOULDER — Today, the Sundance Institute named Boulder, Colorado as the new host of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. To celebrate the announcement, a press conference will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 27, in front of the Boulder Theater on the southwest corner of 14th and Spruce in downtown Boulder, Colorado. State officials, including Gov. Polis, Sundance Institute representatives, and Visit Boulder are all expected to speak. Members of the media who plan to attend should RSVP to Ally Sullivan at ally.sullivan@state.co.us.
“I’m beyond excited to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado starting in 2027. Powerful films tell our stories; who we were, who we are, and who we aspire to be. Here in Colorado we also celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture. Now, with the addition of the iconic Sundance Film Festival, we can expect even more jobs, a huge benefit for our small businesses including stores and restaurants, and to help the festival achieve even greater success. Thank you to the Sundance Film Festival and all of the partners including the City of Boulder, Visit Boulder, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, and I also want to thank the bipartisan legislators and leadership who have worked tirelessly to make this possible,” said Governor Jared Polis.
Today’s announcement follows the submission of a winning proposal by the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder) with support from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Colorado Office of Film Television and Media (COFTM), OEDIT’s Business Funding & Incentives Division, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) and a regional coalition of partners, including the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Stanley Film Center. The proposal to host the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder has also secured bipartisan support, including the sponsors of HB25-1005, which is still moving through the legislative process, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Rep. Brianna Titone, Sen. Judy Amabile and Sen. Mark Baisley.
“We’re beyond excited that Boulder has been chosen as the future home for the Sundance Film Festival. With its thriving creative spirit, stunning mountain backdrop, and welcoming community, Boulder offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience for filmmakers and attendees alike. This moment is a testament to what happens when a community comes together to champion art, culture, and connection. Congratulations, Boulder and all of Colorado — this is our moment to shine!” said Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder.
Through this historic opportunity, Colorado will honor the Festival’s roots in the mountain west, while supporting its ongoing growth and success and boosting the state’s creative economy. The Festival’s presence in Boulder will benefit the region and beyond, increasing tourism and boosting sales to restaurants and small businesses during a quiet time of year, while bolstering Colorado’s creative economy and generating new jobs for Coloradans.
“Colorado has long been known for its culture of collaboration, and that spirit was on full display throughout the proposal process. Recognizing the opportunity to strengthen our creative economy, create new jobs for Coloradans, boost tourism and elevate Colorado on the global stage, a diverse group of partners came together to showcase Colorado as the ideal next home for the Sundance Film Festival. The relationships we have built and strengthened, especially our partnership with the Sundance Institute, will ensure the Festival’s next act is a tremendous success,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado and work with our new partners at the Sundance Institute to ensure a smooth transition to Boulder in 2027. We can think of no better partner to elevate filmmaking and storytelling in Colorado and look forward to celebrating the many creative milestones that lie ahead,” said Colorado Film Commissioner, Donald Zuckerman. “With our world-renowned Rocky Mountain landscapes, well-established creative communities, strong hotel bed base, and robust domestic and international connectivity through Denver International Airport, Colorado is the perfect stage for the Sundance Film Festival’s next act. Congratulations to Boulder, and welcome to our new Festival partners!" said Colorado House Majority Leader Monica Duran.
“Hosting the Sundance Film Festival is an incredible win for the Boulder region and the state of Colorado. The 2024 festival generated $132 million in gross domestic product, created 1,730 jobs paying $69.7 million in wages, and attracted 24,000 out-of-state visitors who spent an average of $735 a day. We expect to see a similar impact for Coloradans and look forward to welcoming the Festival in 2027,” said Colorado Rep. Brianna Titone.
“The Tax Incentive for Film Festivals is advancing through the Colorado legislature with bipartisan support, paving the way for today’s historic announcement and demonstrating our state’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Sundance Film Festival in Colorado. This exciting news will elevate our creative industries and create new jobs for Coloradans for years to come,” said Colorado Sen. Judy Amabile.
“Today’s announcement is a tremendous win for Colorado small businesses. We welcome the Sundance Film Festival making its new home in Boulder. This will boost sales at restaurants, retailers and other small businesses throughout the region that rely on tourism, bringing much needed revenue to Colorado communities during a quiet time of year,” said Colorado Sen. Mark Baisley.
About Visit Boulder
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. (www.bouldercoloradousa.com)
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.
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