�Ǹ�Թ�

��

The Sundance Institute’s first festival began in Utah in 1985. Now, 40 years later, the iconic film fest has��set its sights on the Flatirons.��

According to the nonprofit’s March announcement, the Sundance Institute’s board of trustees was drawn to �Ǹ�Թ�’s small-town charm, engaged community, art focus and natural scenery.��

“This move will ensure that the festival continues its work of risk-taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence and entertaining and enlightening audiences,” said��Robert Redford (A&S ex’58; HonDocHum’87), Sundance Institute president and founder. “I am grateful to the �Ǹ�Թ� community for its support, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the festival there.”��

Redford started the institute in 1981 as a way to support independent filmmakers and storytellers.��

Once in �Ǹ�Թ�, the majority of the festival will be held on and around the Pearl Street Mall. CU �Ǹ�Թ� will offer support and additional venue space.��

The event will offer students — particularly those enrolled in the university’s��Cinema Studies & Moving Image Arts program — direct exposure to prominent filmmakers and actors.��

During Sundance’s 2024 run, its economic impact was vast. Over 24,000 festival visitors attended from out of state, generating over 1,700 jobs for Utah residents and producing $132 million in economic activity for the state, according to the festival’s��.��

Now, Colorado will reap the benefits.��

In an interview with��CU �Ǹ�Թ� Today, Chancellor��Justin Schwartz added to the hype: “We are excited for tens of thousands of festival guests to experience what we already know: �Ǹ�Թ� is an incredible place to immerse yourself in the arts, culture, nature and history that make life worth living.”

����Submit feedback to the editor

Photo courtesy Don Kohlbauer for �Ǹ�Թ� Reporting Lab