Established Colorado film festivals enthusiastic to share spotlight with Sundance

The buzz surrounding the Sundance Film Festival's move to Boulder in 2027 is creating a wave of excitement. It's even garnered enthusiasm from Colorado's own established film festivals. The prevailing sentiment is that a rising tide lifts all boat. Local festival organizers see Sundance's arrival as a golden opportunity for the state's entire film industry.

For years, Colorado has been a stunning backdrop for films, but not a major player in the industry due to a lack of financial incentives. With new tax incentives, additional funding from the state and the international spotlight that Sundance brings, local film communities are ready to take advantage of the time in the spotlight as well.

Organizers with Breckenridge Film Festival -- celebrating its 45th year -- say the arts event is poised to capitalize on the new energy. 

"I just see it as an opportunity," said Cait McCluskey, the festival's programming and operations director said. "I think the spotlight is really on us right now. And, also, Sundance has been really open to some collaborations. So I think, for a smaller festival like us, it can really only go well."

Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the Breckenridge Film Festival -- running from Sept. 18 to 21 -- serves as a community builder alongside its film screenings, McCluskey says. 

"The mountains can be a really isolating place, and a spot even like a movie theater, where you sit together in the dark, can be a really community building activity," McCluskey explained. 

McCluskey expressed that these festivals are for everyone, not just the Hollywood elite. 

"I think there's this misconception that film festivals are only for the film industry elite or only for movie stars," McCluskey said. "But the truth is that a lot of them out there, especially the smaller ones, are for everyday people." 

More information is available at Breckenridge Film Festival's website.

Just a week later, Crested Butte Film Festival will celebrate its 15th year from Sept. 24 to 28. Scott Robson, the executive director for the film festival, highlighted the festival's role in fostering dialogue. 

"I think inspiring conversation in small communities is particularly important," Robson said. 

In a county with only one public movie theater, Robson said the festival brings around 80 films from 400 submissions to the community over five days. More information can be found at Crested Butte Film Festival's website.

The optimism is fueled by more than proximity to Sundance. Donald Zuckerman, Colorado's film commissioner, points to a new more competitive tax credit for film production. 

"We had a 10% incentive ... which was ridiculously low," noted Zuckerman, comparing neighboring state incentives. Colorado now offers a 20% refundable tax credit.  

For the local film festivals, a new tax credit provides $500,000 annually for the next decade to support film festivals across the state -- a significant jump from the previous $40,000 to $50,000 a year.

Zuckerman believes the increased funding will help smaller festivals grow faster, benefiting local economies and filmmakers. While leaf peeping is always a draw in the fall, mountain towns such as Breck and Crested Butte are hoping people consider their other dazzling displays on the silver screen. 

"Take a look at Pueblo. They had their second year this year, and they went all out, and they're planning on building it," said Zuckerman, highlighting the growth of film culture in other Colorado communities.