March 27, 2025

Joint Statement from the Utah Film Commission and the Utah Office of Tourism and Film

MARCH 27, 2025

The following is a joint statement from the Utah Film Commission and the Utah Office of Tourism and Film in response to the Sundance Institute’s recent decision about moving the Sundance Film Festival.

Today, we received disappointing news that the Sundance Film Festival will be moving to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. While the Sundance Film Festival has been an incredible part of Utah’s history, and we wish them the best in Boulder, the fact remains that Utah’s creative spirit, innovative energy and passion for film are bigger than any one event.

We have absolute confidence in the competitive bid the Utah Host Committee submitted. We are incredibly proud of how the city, county, state and private sectors united to showcase the exciting possibilities for a reimagined festival experience, while honoring the rich legacy of its past.

Film is deeply ingrained in the culture and essence of Utah, and just as Robert Redford was visionary in creating the Sundance Institute nearly 45 years ago, we carry forward his legacy by fostering a thriving art, sports, entertainment, and visitor economy that continues to evolve. From world-class film and arts festivals to a dynamic convention center, sports culture, and a growing tech and business community, Utah remains a place where creators and visionaries want to be.

Park City, Salt Lake City, and destinations across the state are looking ahead, preparing to welcome the world again for the 2034 Winter Olympics, undertaking a transformative downtown revitalization in Salt Lake and expanding opportunities in film, the arts and beyond.

We are confident that our film industry will continue to thrive and we are committed to doing what we’ve always done: supporting filmmakers and building a world-class film economy right here in Utah.

-Virginia Pearce, Utah Film Commission Director
-Natalie Randall, Utah Office of Tourism and Film Managing Director

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