PARK CITY, Utah (AP) - Attendees at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival found themselves facing a common question: “Will you go to the festival when it moves to Boulder?” As the festival concludes its final year in its traditional setting, many longtime festivalgoers are expressing their reluctance to follow it to Colorado.

Butch Ward, a devoted participant since the early ‘90s, shared that this would be the last year he considers Sundance to truly embody its essence. “A Sundance outside Utah just isn’t Sundance,” he remarked. This sentiment resonated with many other attendees who cherished the festival's cherished location.

Throughout Park City, one could see groups making their feelings clear—women donned yellow scarves reading, “Our last Sundance 2026,” while another festivalgoer, balancing a film reel atop her head, held a sign proclaiming this to be “the last Sundance.”

The emotional connection to the festival is deep-rooted, as highlighted by Suzie Taylor, an actor attending since 1997. She expressed a sense of loss, noting, “Robert Redford’s vision was rooted here,” and pointed out the poetic timing of his passing just before the festival's last year in Utah. Julie Nunis, an actor from Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of the traditions built over more than forty years, expressing her desire to experience Sundance only in its original form.

Robert Redford established the festival, which serves as a crucial platform for independent filmmakers, far removed from Hollywood pressures. Redford, who passed away in September at 89, had previously given his blessing for the festival to relocate. Boulder, Colorado, became the chosen new home following a yearlong selection process in which numerous U.S. cities competed for the prestigious event.

The decision to move stemmed from organizers believing that the festival had outgrown Park City, developing an exclusivity that diverged from its original purpose. While some film professionals and volunteers are open to the changes and willing to try Boulder, concerns about the festival losing its identity are prevalent among many.

Lauren Garcia, a volunteer from Seattle for the past six years, described the sadness she felt as the final festival in Utah unfolded, pondering whether the festival's legacy might close this chapter following Redford's death. “How is the festival going to express itself in a new place and continue his legacy? It’s a huge question mark,” she said, acknowledging the impact of Redford’s absence.

Amy Redford, Robert Redford's daughter and a board member of the Sundance Institute, expressed enthusiasm for the transition, despite acknowledging potential challenges. Actor and filmmaker Nik Dodani conveyed his excitement for exploring the festival in a new state that embraces diversity, yet voiced concerns about a possible “vacuum” of diverse storytelling in Utah due to the relocation.

Amy Redford reassured that key elements of their father’s legacy, specifically the institute’s development programs for emerging filmmakers, will remain in Utah, approximately 34 miles south of Park City. She stated that filmmakers will continue to foster essential civil discourse in the state. “Boulder, Colorado, will be a new adventure. It will feel like our beginnings,” she stated, reiterating that the festival's defining essence will persist, rooted in the heart of its history in Utah.

For further updates and information regarding the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, interested parties can visit the official Sundance Film Festival hub.