The Sundance Film Festival, a pivotal event in the independent cinema scene, is set to leave its long-time base in Park City, Utah, for Boulder, Colorado. This change has ignited a wave of nostalgia and apprehension among loyal attendees who have cherished the festival's tradition and community atmosphere in Utah. Many festivalgoers are expressing that this year, 2026, feels like the last Sundance in its original form, especially after the passing of its founder, Robert Redford, in September 2023. Attendees such as Butch Ward and Julie Nunis are concerned that the festival may lose its essence and unique identity outside of Utah's serene mountain backdrop. Redford, who founded the festival as a celebration of independent storytelling, had given his blessing for the move before his death, highlighting that Boulder emerged victoriously from a competitive search to host the festival due to a desire for long-term growth and to move away from an “air of exclusivity.” While some alumni are open to exploring Boulder’s offerings in the future, there’s a sense of uncertainty about how the festival will transition while still honoring Redford's legacy. Amy Redford, his daughter and a trustee on the Sundance Institute's board, acknowledges the steep learning curve ahead and reassures attendees that valuable programs supporting emerging filmmakers will continue to thrive in Utah. The tension surrounding the physical separation of the festival from its roots raises questions about the future of Sundance's community-driven ethos and collective experience as it embarks on a new chapter away from the familiar landscapes of Utah.