Sundance 2026 Unveiled: Final Park City Edition Celebrates Legacy Before Colorado Move

The **Sundance 2026** festival lineup has been unveiled, marking a significant moment as it is the last festival held in Park City, Utah, before its move to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. Organizers revealed 90 feature films and seven episodic projects for **Sundance 2026**. The event, running from January 22 to February 1, 2026, promises to be an emotional and celebratory gathering, honoring its founder, Robert Redford. This **Sundance 2026** edition is particularly poignant, representing the closing of a storied chapter in Park City.

A Bold Sundance 2026 Program

The **Sundance 2026** slate showcases diverse new works, with many filmmakers making their feature directorial debuts. Nearly all selected projects are world premieres, featuring acclaimed actors like Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega in a dark comedy, and Olivia Wilde directing her new film, “The Invite.” Pop star Charli XCX appears in three films, and documentaries will cover notable figures such as Brittney Griner and Salman Rushdie. Gregg Araki returns with new work, underscoring the festival’s tradition of discovery and its support for bold, independent storytelling. This focus on new movie releases is a hallmark of the **Sundance 2026** festival.

Farewell to Park City: The Last Sundance 2026 Edition

Park City has been Sundance’s home for over 40 years, since its move from Salt Lake City in 1981. The venue outgrew its mountain town setting, facing challenges with limited space and rising costs. Therefore, organizers sought a new home, making this **Sundance 2026** edition a heartfelt farewell, celebrating the festival’s deep Utah roots and its iconic status as the Park City last edition. The legacy of Robert Redford Sundance is deeply intertwined with this location.

Transition to Colorado: Sundance 2027 and Beyond

Boulder, Colorado, will host Sundance starting in 2027, offering a vibrant arts scene and larger capacity. This move was facilitated by Colorado’s tax incentives, aiming to allow for festival expansion while keeping Sundance in a mountain setting. Boulder’s status as a university and tech hub marks this transition as a new chapter for the acclaimed independent film festival, a significant piece of film festival news.

Honoring Robert Redford Sundance’s Vision at Sundance 2026

This year’s **Sundance 2026** festival pays special tribute to founder Robert Redford and his vision that launched Sundance and championed independent artists. The Sundance Institute, founded by Redford in 1981 to support filmmakers, continues to thrive. A special screening of his film “Downhill Racer” is planned, honoring his enduring legacy and commitment to storytelling, a core tenet of the Robert Redford Sundance ethos.

A Legacy of Independent Film at Sundance 2026

The Park City last edition of Sundance promises a rich program reflecting the festival’s history, including the Park City Legacy program with archival screenings, artist talks, and special events. This celebration looks back at past successes while anticipating the future. Sundance remains a vital platform for global independent storytelling. The move to Boulder signifies evolution, but Sundance’s core mission endures. This **Sundance 2026** film festival news is critical for cinephiles awaiting exciting new movie releases and trailers. Audiences anticipate every new movie release, and this festival is a premiere destination for discovering them. The latest casting news also generates buzz around potential new movie releases showcased here, solidifying Sundance’s impact on the industry.