The Real Story Behind Sundance’s Possible Move to Colorado
Boulder is currently one of three finalists to become the new home of one of the most famous and influential cultural events in the world: Sundance Film Festival. Governor Jared Polis and his allies in the legislature are reportedly hoping to lure the fest with millions in tax incentives, but film lovers up and down the Front Range are divided, and no one is sure what the impact on Boulder would really be. So Host Bree Davies is sitting down with Ali Vallarta, the host of City Cast Salt Lake and former Sundance staffer, to talk about why Sundance might leave Utah, and what it would mean for Colorado.
For more on Sundance’s connections with Colorado, check out our episode with reporter Jay Bouchard on the future of The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park and their Sundance-affiliated film center. And don’t miss Ali’s last appearance on City Cast Denver when we hashed out SLC’s obsession with Denver.
Sundance is expected to announce their decision about a possible move later this month ahead of this year’s fest. So we want to hear from you! Should Colorado be pushing this hard to lure Sundance? What do you think? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text with your name and neighborhood to 720-500-5418
Get your tickets to HEYDAY now! We’re putting on an indoor fair with urban flair, like a classic county fair but with a very cool Denver twist. Join us on March 8 for classic carnival games, vintage arcade games, Denver-themed balloon art, and a full day of grandstand entertainment, featuring some of your favorite guests from the podcast. It’s family friendly, too, if you wanna bring your kids. Get those tickets now at www.heydaydenver.com.
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