Good-bye, Sundance. Hello, Raindance.
In the aftermath of the departure of the Sundance Film Festival from Utah, Ogden has been named the official host city for the U.S. edition of the Raindance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United Kingdom. Ogden will give the festival, for the first time, a permanent U.S. location.
Debuting in March 2027, Raindance aims to bring top independent films, cutting-edge technology showcases and industry networking opportunities to the Wasatch Front.
“Since its inception, Raindance has championed bold new voices and disruptive ideas in independent film,” said Elliot Grove, founder of the Raindance Film Festival. “We seek storytellers who not only understand the craft but who can adapt to the extraordinary opportunities of emerging technologies. Ogden is the perfect stage for this next chapter of Raindance. This city’s energy and innovation mirror our mission to nurture the filmmakers who will define the future
of cinema.”
The Sundance Institute announced in March that the wintertime Sundance Film Festival would relocate to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. It had announced in April 2024 that it was starting a selection process for a possible new festival host city. Six locations were picked for consideration — Utah (a combined Salt Lake City/Park City bid); Atlanta; Louisville, Kentucky; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Boulder and Cincinnati —but it was pared down last fall to Utah, Boulder and Cincinnati.
Sundance’s departure left a huge financial hole. One analysis indicates that the 2024 festival, for example, generated about $132 million in gross domestic product for the state; 1,730 local jobs; $69.7 million in Utah wages; and $13.8 million in state and local tax revenue. At least 72,840 people attended the event in 2024, during which out-of state visitors spent an estimated $106.4 million in Utah.
Founded in London in 1992, Raindance attracts 16,000 visitors, including 500 industry professionals, to London’s West End film district. It describes itself as “one of the most prestigious showcases for emerging talent worldwide.” It says it launched the careers of Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer,” “Inception”), Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes,” “The Gentlemen”) and Edgar Wright (“Baby Driver,” “Last Night in Soho”), among other filmmakers.
“This partnership with Raindance is more than a festival. It’s an investment in Ogden’s creative future,” said Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski. “We’re honored to welcome international filmmakers and audiences to experience our city’s unique blend of history, innovation and breathtaking mountain surroundings.”
The Ogden edition of Raindance is expected to feature world and U.S. premieres of independent films from around the world; industry panels and workshops led by award-winning filmmakers and producers; film and technology showcases highlighting virtual production, AI and emerging media; community events designed to engage local audiences and spotlight Utah’s film talent; student film events and workshops for students in grades K-12; and year-round programming for students and adults.
“Ogden embodies the creative spirit Raindance has always celebrated,” said Dawn Hauptner, Raindance’s creative development director. “With its thriving arts scene, historic charm, and growing reputation as a hub for innovation, Ogden is the perfect platform for connecting filmmakers and audiences from around the world.”
Raindance said Ogden’s selection as the host city resulted from a collaborative vision between Raindance and city leaders to strengthen the region’s creative economy. “The festival is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, generate significant tourism revenue, and enhance Ogden’s reputation as a destination for arts, culture, and technology,” Raindance said.
The U.S. edition will operate alongside the London festival. Raindance is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, BAFTA and the British Independent Film Awards.
What would become the Sundance Film Festival began in 1978 in Salt Lake City as the Utah/United States Film Festival. After financial struggles, the festival moved to Park City in 1981 as the U.S. Film and Video Festival. Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute took over the event in 1985, and the Sundance Film Festival name became official in 1991.
The first Boulder festival will take place in January 2027. The Sundance Institute said the move there was prompted by its need for “more theaters and venues that can support our programming needs.” In a news release announcing the move, it said that “Boulder offers small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene, making it the ideal location for the festival to grow.” Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute acting CEO, described Boulder as “an art town, tech town, mountain town and college town. It is a place where the festival can build and flourish.”