BOULDER — Today, the Sundance Institute selected Boulder, Colorado as a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. 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.
“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.
Boulder, Colorado, is one of the finalists under consideration to host the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. The selection follows the submission of a strong proposal by 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), and a regional coalition of partners, including the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder and the Stanley Film Center.
"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. We are dedicated to advancing this collaboration in Boulder and showcasing the myriad benefits of our region throughout the selection process,” said Charlene Hoffman, CEO of Visit Boulder.
To support the development of a competitive proposal, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a one-time $1.5 million incentive. The non-state match for this funding substantially exceeds one-to-one, with cash and in-kind contributions from the City of Boulder and the coalition of regional partners. OEDIT is also contributing an additional $325,000 to the proposal, including $250,000 from the Colorado Office of Film Television and Media over five years and one-time contributions from the Colorado Tourism Office ($50,000) and Colorado Creative Industries ($25,000).
“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. OEDIT and the Film Office will continue to do our part to showcase the many ways our state is a great fit for the Sundance Film Festival and can help the Festival achieve even greater success,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.
“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 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,” said Colorado Film Commissioner, Donald Zuckerman.
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 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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