Rolling out the red carpet: Two BVSD schools named official Sundance Film Festival venues

Two Boulder Valley School District campuses will soon find themselves at the center of one of the world’s most celebrated film events.

Boulder High School and Casey Middle School have been named among the 15 official venues that will host screenings and events when the Sundance Film Festival moves to Boulder in January 2027.

The venues were announced on February 24, and while many details are still to come, the news has already energized students in BVSD’s Apex Film & Video Arts program — the district’s career and technical education pathway for aspiring filmmakers.

“I definitely think that it is a wonderful thing,” said Apex and Broomfield High School senior Connor Warburton.

For students who spend their days writing scripts, shooting and editing films, the idea that Sundance directors, actors, producers and cinematographers will soon be gathering just down the road feels both surreal and inspiring.

“It's just very exciting, and it's very fun to think about,” said Apex and Broomfield High School senior Zach Angelopulos. “It makes me want to make movies.”

“It makes everything feel more possible,” said Apex and Broomfield High School senior Elle Esposito. “Like it's more in reach.”

Boulder already has a vibrant community of film professionals, many of whom regularly support BVSD’s aspiring filmmakers. Some volunteer their time to mentor students or even substitute in classes.

Apex Film & Video Arts teacher Ash Collins says the arrival of Sundance could help accelerate momentum that has been building in Colorado’s film community for years.

“I, and a lot of other people, have recognized for years that Colorado could and should have a thriving film industry. With all the talent around, the iconic locations, the variety of landscapes it's definitely possible,” Collins said. “With Sundance coming, people in the industry are energized and it will be an amazing way for CO to claim more space as a vital film and media hub.”

Just last week, several local industry professionals joined students for a biannual panel where Apex filmmakers pitched their latest project ideas and received feedback from working experts in the field.

Students also regularly submit entries to the Boulder International Film Festival’s Teen Short Film Competition. Now, with Sundance coming to Boulder, many are beginning to imagine an even bigger stage for their work.

“If my film gets shown [at Sundance] one year, then it will be out there to the public so people can see all the hard work you’ve put into a project that you really love,” Warburton said.

The Sundance Film Festival is scheduled to debut in Boulder January 21–31, 2027.