Boulder International Film Festival sets schedule as Sundance looms
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People wait to enter the Boulder Theater for the 2013 Boulder International Film Festival. Photo: Cliff Grassmick/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images
The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced its 2026 lineup — and for the first time, it's moving to April.
Why it matters: The shift shows how the longtime local festival is adjusting ahead of Sundance's arrival in Boulder.
Driving the news: BIFF runs from April 9-12 in Boulder and Longmont.
- The festival will showcase 68 films from 29 countries, including 31 Colorado premieres.
- About 50 filmmakers are expected to attend.
- Actor Alec Baldwin is this year's featured guest, who will interview filmmakers and record a live podcast with Scott Feinberg of "The Hollywood Reporter" on April 11.
Context: BIFF is entering its 22nd year, run by sisters Kathy and Robin Beeck.
- But it's no longer the biggest show in town, with Sundance set to land in Boulder in 2027.
- BIFF drew more than 25,000 attendees in 2025; Sundance, by comparison, had roughly 85,000.
- The move to April creates some distance from Sundance, which takes place in late January.
Friction point: The date shift highlights concerns that BIFF could be overshadowed by its much larger counterpart.
- Still, local leaders say Boulder can support both.
- The city already hosts 10 annual or recurring film festivals, Karleen Lewis, director of marketing for Visit Boulder, told Axios.
- BIFF "has played a meaningful role in shaping that culture over the past two decades," she said.
What they're saying: Some see Sundance as a boost, rather than a threat.
- "Together, they have the potential to further establish Boulder as a destination for cinema enthusiasts " said Terri Takata-Smith of Downtown Boulder Inc.
If you go: Opening night is April 10, with parties at Hotel Boulderado and Rembrandt Yard, followed by a screening of "Tuner" at the Boulder Theater.
- CineCHEF, a competition between local "badass women chefs" who will create dishes inspired by their favorite films, will take place April 9.
- The Adventure Film Program on April 10 includes a special pre-release of the first two episodes of the new HBO series "The Dark Wizard," by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen of Boulder's Sender Films.
- Free live music hits the Velvet Elk Lounge on April 9 and 11 with the BIFF singer/songwriter showcase.
- Youth programs begin April 9, with free screenings and workshops and a filmmakers panel that is free for students with registration.
- Colorado premieres include "Power Ballad," "Los Lobos Native Sons" and "The Trial of Alec Baldwin."
The bottom line: Tickets and passes are on sale now — but BIFF's bigger storyline might very well be how it's carving out space in a city about to host Sundance.