City Cast Denver cover image

City Cast Denver

The Real Story Behind Sundance’s Possible Move to Colorado

Jan 16, 2025
Ali Vallarta, host of City Cast Salt Lake and a former Sundance Film Festival staffer, dives into the thrilling potential of Boulder becoming the new home for Sundance. She shares insider perspectives on why the festival might leave Utah, discussing its significant impact on local film culture and the competitive landscape of festivals. Vallarta also addresses the political dynamics at play, with millions in tax incentives being proposed, and the importance of community engagement in shaping the future of this iconic cultural event.
25:31

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Quick takeaways

  • The potential move of the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder highlights complex interactions between local film culture and economic incentives amidst community concerns.
  • Political dynamics and significant tax incentives from Colorado may influence Sundance's decision, impacting its relationship with both local art initiatives and audience accessibility.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival, originally hosted in Salt Lake City, was relocated to Park City, Utah, to create a more challenging atmosphere for showcasing independent films, a decision influenced by Robert Redford and director Sidney Pollack. Over the years, Sundance transformed into more than just a prestigious film festival; it became a marketplace where film industry professionals engaged in bidding wars over newly premiered movies. However, the festival has faced significant challenges in recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic, which exposed existing dysfunctions in leadership and declining revenue. The conversation around moving the festival to alternative locations like Boulder highlights the ongoing difficulties, indicating the need for Sundance to reevaluate its operations and vision.

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