When Sundance Institute announced Boulder as its new home of the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the Festival and the city. Boulder Lifestyle Publisher Andy Manz recently caught up with the Director of Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming, Eugene Hernandez, to discuss the move, the Festival’s commitment to independent storytellers, and why he hopes every Boulder resident feels welcome when Sundance arrives.
Boulder Lifestyle: When you came on as the new executive director, was the location change at the center of that decision to bring you on? Did you know what you were getting yourself into?
Eugene Hernandez: I started at the Institute in November of 2022. My first visit to Boulder was in the late summer/early fall of 2023, on my way to the Telluride Film Festival… Then the film commissioner said, "Why don't you stop through Boulder? We really think Boulder could be a great home for the festival someday."
Shortly after I started, I learned more about some of the challenges we were facing in Utah…. It was on my mind. The first time I came here, we hadn't even embarked on the process of exploring. The challenges of trying to continue the festival in Utah were something I’d observed as an attendee before I worked here, and I’ve been going to the festival since 1993.
Mr. Redford founded Sundance around independent voices and creative risk. Do you still feel that spirit is at the center of the festival today?
EH: I think it's my job to make sure it does stay at the center of the conversation, especially at a time when we're building the festival in a new place. It's really important for me and my colleagues to make sure that Mr. Redford's vision, values, and principles stay at the center.
Whether it's the support of artists, whether it's the connection to nature, whether it's the embracing of community and audience, and helping to connect it with artists, those are all fundamental values that we are bringing here to Boulder…. It's our job to make sure we're constantly centering his vision and values.
You’ve spent your career championing independent cinema. What still excites you most about discovering new filmmakers?
EH: What excites me most is the unpredictability of what's next or what’s to come. We get 16,000 to 17,000 submissions per year of new work…. We don't know until we watch them what artists are thinking, how they're telling their stories, or what ideas they're considering. Each year is a reintroduction. Each year is a revelation. Each year is a snapshot of what artists are thinking about globally.
The greatest area of growth in our submissions is from outside the U.S…. We wait and see what arrives. It is like Christmas. It's like 16,000 packages we open to see what's being explored and where in the world the story is coming from.
What makes Boulder feel right for Sundance Film Festival at this moment?
EH: Every time I'm here and also when I'm out in the world, people are asking me about Boulder. If they know Boulder, they understand it. If they haven't been here, they've heard about it, and they want to tap into it. There's this unique vibe. I don't know how to characterize it in words, but I feel it when I'm here.
The town is buzzing, and we’re thrilled to have you here. What do you want Boulder residents to know before Sundance arrives?
EH: If there's one thing I want to make sure to convey, it's that this festival is for everyone. There's no velvet rope controlling access to our festival. There will certainly be red carpets with celebrities on them, sure, but it's an 11-day gathering that is open to anyone.
This is not a private event. It's a community event…. We really just want you and your readers and everyone in the community to be part of it.
Editor's Note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.