In 2024, Boulder found itself in the limelight as one of three finalists selected to host the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The news came as a bit of a plot twist: While the event, launched in 1981 by Robert Redford, has always been rooted in Utah, the Sundance Institute is now considering a change of location for the first time in its history.

If selected, Boulder would become the new home base of the popular independent film festival beginning in 2027. The other two finalists include Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah, which hopes to retain its role as the festival’s home base.

According to a statement from the Sundance Institute, the three finalist cities were chosen based on their “ability to align with Sundance’s ethos of equity, infrastructure, and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive festival.”

The Sundance Institute’s decision to include Boulder as a finalist followed an extensive request-for-proposal process that began earlier this year. Visit Boulder spearheaded the proposal with backing from a coalition of regional organizations, including the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Stanley Film Center.

The Sundance Film Festival has grown over the years into the largest independent film festival in the United States, attracting tens of thousands of attendees, including filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. In 2024, the festival drew 72,840 in-person attendees and generated over $132 million in revenue for the state of Utah.

Gov. Jared Polis enthusiastically supported Boulder’s bid, highlighting the city’s unique qualifications in a statement.

“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, Colo., is the right home for the Sundance Film Festival,” Polis said.

Hosting the festival, he noted, could bring significant economic and cultural benefits to the state, creating jobs, boosting winter tourism, and enhancing Boulder’s standing as a creative hub.

Boulder and Redford have a bit of history together —the Oscar-winning director attended CU Boulder for a year in 1955, working as a janitor at The Sink while he was there. Though he didn’t graduate, two of his children earned degrees from CU in 1985, and Redford himself received an honorary degree in 1987.

The final verdict — set to be announced after the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, which takes place from Jan. 23—Feb. 2 — will determine where the iconic event will transition to after the festival’s current contract with Park City runs out.