Boulder to host Sundance Film Festival
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Boulder won its bid to host the iconic Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027.
Why it matters: Hosting Sundance — the largest independent film festival in the U.S. — will be a major moneymaker and tourism attraction for Boulder and the state.
By the numbers: A recent economic impact report on the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in Utah revealed the event:
- Created 1,730 jobs for residents;
- Generated $69.7 million in wages;
- Amounted to $132 million in gross domestic product;
- Brought in almost $14 million in state and local tax revenue.
The latest: The Sundance Board voted Thursday to move the festival out of Park City, Utah — where it's been held for the past four decades.
- Cincinnati was the other finalist in the list of potential future host cities.
What they're saying: "Boulder is an art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town. It is a place where the Festival can build and flourish," Sundance Institute acting CEO Amanda Kelso said in a statement Thursday.
- In response to the announcement, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said the state can "expect even more jobs, a huge benefit for our small businesses including stores and restaurants."
The intrigue: To boost Boulder's odds, state lawmakers have been pushing a bill to create new tax credits to encourage the Sundance Film Festival to relocate to Colorado.
- The incentives include $34 million over the next decade or $3-$5 million per year, for a film festival that sells more than 100,000 tickets and attracts tens of thousands of out-of-state attendees.
Catch up quick: The festival's contract with Park City expires after the 2026 event, which prompted local officials to begin soliciting relocation bids last April.
- While the full list of contenders was not released, known bidders included Minneapolis, San Francisco and Savannah, Georgia.
- Notably, Denver did not throw its hat in the ring.
What's next: The festival will be hosted in Boulder through 2037 after officials signed a 10-year deal, Variety reports.
- "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," Kelso said. "We can't imagine a better fit than Boulder."
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