The Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the U.S., may be leaving Utah after more than 40 years. Organizers are weighing their options as the festival’s contract with Park City ends in 2026. While Utah remains a strong contender, bids from Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati are also in play. A final decision is expected by the end of April. However, a new Utah law may complicate the decision. The state legislature recently passed HB77, a bill restricting which flags can fly on public-funded buildings. Though it does not explicitly ban the Pride flag, critics argue it targets the LGBTQ community. An insider told Deadline that the bill could impact Sundance’s choice:
“Utah is Utah, but this goes to the heart of the community Sundance has worked years and years to develop. It is a terrible law, a terrible look for the state.”
The bill now awaits Governor Spencer Cox’s signature. Meanwhile, its sponsor, representative Trevor Lee, dismisses concerns, claiming it won’t affect Sundance. However, Lee has made his opposition to the Pride flag clear on social media, even celebrating the idea of Sundance leaving Utah over the issue.
