Sundance Film Festival leaving Utah for Colorado after 40 years

After more than 40 years in Utah, the Sundance Film Festival is packing up and heading to a new home

The decision marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for one of the world's most iconic celebrations of independent film

Boulder, Colorado, officially tapped as the next host city for Sundance, beating out finalist cities, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City, Utah

The announcement follows a months-long bid process that began last fall. The move kicks off in 2027, ushering in a new era for the festival

The acting CEO shared that sentiment in the official announcement saying, this is the beginning of a bold new journey as we invite everyone to be part of our community

and to be entertained and inspired. We can't imagine a better fit than bolder

Some are pointing to political differences between the state as a potential factor

with Utah being a Republican-led state and Colorado firmly in Democratic control

The announcement comes two days after a deadline report suggesting Sundance's future in Utah was already in doubt

The Utah governor is expected to decide on a bill banning pride flags from government buildings within the next few days In her annual state of the park city address Mayor Nan Wurl said she and the deputy city manager had worked closely with state lawmakers and stakeholders to reimagine Sundance

future in Utah. But she said, quote, unfortunately, a recent bill passed by the Utah legislature

and comments made by some legislature have not been helpful in our bid to keep the festival here

referring to the bill dealing with LGBTQ plus flags and banners. The festival moving out of Salt Lake City

could also impact the economy. According to the 2024 Sundance Festival Economic Impact Report, Sundance generated $132 million

in gross domestic product for Utah, more than 1,700 local jobs, 69.7 million in Utah wages

and 13.8 million in state and local tax revenue. In a statement, Mayor Wurl said she's deeply disappointed but grateful for the decades-long partnership

adding she's not sure there's anything more her team could have done to keep the festival in Utah

Meanwhile, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett thanked the Sundance Institute, telling NBC News he's looking forward to a long and creative partnership

With Strait Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit SAN.com for more