By Daily Orlando News Staff
The Sundance Film Festival has long stood as the beating heart of independent cinema, drawing film lovers from across the globe—including many from right here in Orlando. But as the festival prepares for a significant move from its longtime home in Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado, many veteran attendees are facing a bittersweet crossroads. The question echoing through film circles is simple, but profound: “Will you still go to the festival when it moves to Boulder?” For Orlando cinephiles and filmmakers, the answer is anything but easy.
The End of an Era: Sundance Says Goodbye to Utah
After more than four decades nestled in the snowy mountains of Park City, the Sundance Film Festival’s decision to relocate has stirred deep emotions. For many, the Utah setting was not just a backdrop, but a character in the festival’s story—a place where Hollywood met Main Street, and where indie films found their first champions. Festivalgoers have forged friendships, discovered breakout films, and braved blizzards for the love of cinema.
For those in Orlando’s film community, making the annual pilgrimage to Utah was a rite of passage. “There’s something magical about Park City in January,” says local filmmaker Tara Gomez, who’s attended Sundance for the past seven years. “It’s not just about the movies—it’s the energy, the people, the sense of discovery. It’s hard to imagine it anywhere else.”
Why the Move to Boulder Is Sparking Mixed Reactions
The decision to relocate didn’t come out of nowhere. Festival organizers cited rising costs, logistical challenges, and the need for fresh energy as key reasons for the move. Boulder, with its own vibrant arts scene and picturesque setting, aims to recapture the magic—just in a new context.
Still, many longtime attendees feel the shift is seismic. For Orlando residents, the journey to Boulder may actually be more daunting. While direct flights to Salt Lake City made Park City relatively accessible, Boulder’s location means additional connections and travel time. The change in setting also raises questions about the festival’s atmosphere. Will Boulder be able to replicate the intimate, snow-globe charm of Park City? Or will it feel like just another film conference?
“This isn’t just about geography,” notes Orlando-based festival regular Mike Chen. “It’s about tradition. It’s about the memories we’ve built. I’m not sure I’ll feel the same urge to go.”
What This Means for Orlando’s Independent Film Scene
Sundance has always played a pivotal role for Orlando’s filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts. It’s been a place to network, showcase new work, and bring back inspiration for local screenings and events. The festival’s move has left some in Orlando wondering what comes next.
Local cinema groups—like the Enzian Theater and the Florida Film Festival—have long benefited from connections made at Sundance. Orlando’s own film festival circuit often spotlights films that first made waves in Park City. If fewer locals make the trek to Boulder, there could be ripple effects: fewer firsthand accounts, less buzz, and possibly a shrinking pipeline of indie films making their way to Orlando screens.
However, some see the move as an opportunity. “Maybe this is a chance for Orlando to build even stronger local festivals,” suggests film professor Dr. Anita Patel. “If the pilgrimage to Sundance becomes harder, maybe we’ll see more focus on homegrown talent and events.”
Voices from Festivalgoers: To Go or Not to Go?
The response from Orlando’s film lovers is far from unanimous. Some are planning one last trip to Utah to say goodbye, treating this final Sundance in Park City as a farewell tour. Others are already looking ahead, curious to see what a Boulder-based festival might offer.
For many, the decision comes down to practicality—and nostalgia. “It’s not just the cost or the logistics,” says longtime attendee Marsha Evans. “It’s the feeling. Sundance in Utah was special. I’m not sure Boulder can capture that.”
At the same time, younger festivalgoers are more optimistic. “Change is part of the indie spirit,” says University of Central Florida film student Josh Martinez. “I’ll give Boulder a shot. It’s about the films and the community, wherever it happens.”
Looking Forward: Will Orlando Stay Connected to Sundance?
As the festival prepares to make its move, Orlando’s film community faces a choice: embrace the change, or let go of a cherished tradition. While some may decide that this year’s Sundance in Utah will be their last, others will surely follow the festival to its new home. What’s clear is that the legacy of Sundance in Park City will linger, even as its future unfolds in Boulder.
For Orlando, the next chapter could mean more attention on local festivals, new travel adventures, or simply a moment to reflect on what makes cinema—and community—so special. Whether you’re a seasoned Sundance veteran or a curious newcomer, the final festival in Utah is a milestone worth marking.
Conclusion: Share Your Sundance Memories
Have you ever attended Sundance, or dreamed of making the trip from
