The Sundance Film Festival, a staple in Park City, Utah, for 40 years, is considering relocating in 2027. The news has sparked mixed reactions among festival-goers at this year’s event. While some attendees expressed excitement about the potential change, others were skeptical.
A producer enjoying a meal on Main Street said, “Seeing the mountains as you drive in, getting to know your neighbors and bartenders, watching people in their winter gear—it’s just such a unique vibe. I don’t think you’ll get this energy and beautiful setting elsewhere.”
Boulder, Colorado, and Salt Lake City are considered future locations, with a final decision expected soon. The topic was nearly unavoidable at this year’s fest, with debates occurring at almost every street corner.
A screenwriter noted that her Sundance experience has always included skiing, which wouldn’t be possible in specific new locations. “I see a few movies, but it’s usually more about checking out the discussions and looking for free cocktails. But we always pair it with skiing on the best weather days, and some places aren’t exactly known for great snowboarding and skiing,” she said.
However, officials and advocates of the new locations are enthusiastic about the potential move.
Sundance relocation debate intensifies
A letter between Boulder and Salt Lake City highlighted the city’s dedication to the arts and its blend of creativity, culture, and community.
Brandon Harris, a critic, filmmaker, and former development executive at Amazon Studios, advocated for the new potential homes for the festival, noting the booming filmmaking scenes and rich cultural histories of these cities. A source close to the Sundance organization dismissed criticism of new locations as “coastal elitist bias” and reiterated that the focus should be on film, not parties. Who would follow the fest to a new location remains to be seen.
One director screening a short film at this year’s Sundance expressed uncertainty about submitting it to a version held elsewhere. “There’s a vibe, there’s a hipness to it. You think of Reservoir Dogs, Sex, Lies and Videotape, and Robert Redford in winter gear.
It’s iconic. What’s iconic about some of these places?” he asked. The decision looms, but the debate continues as the Sundance community contemplates a significant change in tradition and setting.
