The Sundance Film Festival is inching closer to its highly anticipated debut in Boulder—and organizers need your help.
The Sundance Institute, the nonprofit behind the festival, is looking for roughly 2,000 volunteers to help bring the 2027 event to life.
Not only do volunteers get to help shape one of the world’s most influential film festivals, but they also enjoy a variety of perks, from film screening access and waitlist tickets to free Sundance swag and meal vouchers. Volunteers also build a sense of community and camaraderie with one another.
Sundance’s volunteer base has always reflected the festival’s international appeal. Last year, volunteers traveled from all 50 states and more than 21 countries to help bring the festival to life.
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Applications open August 31. And while 2,000 volunteers might sound like a lot, Front Range residents should keep in mind they’ll be competing with volunteers who have supported the festival throughout its decades in Utah.
Volunteers tend to return year after year and, according to Sundance officials, the selection process is somewhat competitive. However, this year, the festival is prioritizing local volunteers, as well as those who have already secured their lodging in Boulder.
Here’s what to know about volunteering at Sundance in 2027.
Volunteering at Sundance 2027 in Boulder
The 2027 Sundance Film Festival will mark the event’s highly anticipated debut in Boulder after more than four decades in Park City, Utah. Running January 21-31, 2027, the 10-day festival will transform Boulder into a citywide celebration of independent film, with screenings, premieres and events taking place at venues across downtown and the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
Official venues include the Boulder Theater, Chautauqua Auditorium, Dairy Arts Center, eTown Hall, Cinemark Century Boulder, several auditoriums on the University of Colorado Boulder campus and other community spaces. As always, the festival will showcase premieres from emerging and established filmmakers from around the world, along with filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions and industry events, while introducing thousands of visitors to Boulder for its inaugural year.
“Our dreams for the Sundance Film Festival in a new place are rapidly transforming into reality,” says Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival and head of public programming.
He adds: “Yes, a lot is changing… but our commitment remains the same as it’s been for more than four decades. We’re upholding the values of our founder, Robert Redford, and building a festival that will introduce artists and their work to new audiences, uplifting the next wave of independent storytelling, and connecting with our passionate global community and the Coloradans joining us in building our festival’s new home.”
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Volunteers always play a vital role in the annual festival—and the 2027 event will be no different. Whether you’re a people person, an organized planner, a tech whiz or someone who enjoys hands-on work, the festival offers a wide range of ways to contribute.
Opportunities span virtually every corner of the Sundance Film Festival. Film lovers can usher audiences into screenings, assist filmmakers and artists, support members of the press, help produce special events, provide accessibility services, answer visitor questions, staff transportation hubs, troubleshoot technology, manage ticketing or work behind the scenes in production and logistics.
Sundance Volunteer Options
Sundance offers several volunteer options designed to fit different schedules, from those who want to immerse themselves in the festival from start to finish to those who can only contribute a few days. Full festival volunteers take on the biggest commitment, typically working nine or more shifts over the course of the festival. Their schedules are assigned based on venue needs, team requirements and festival programming.
For those who want a shorter experience, half festival volunteers support a specific stretch of the event, usually completing six to eight consecutive shifts during an assigned timeframe.
More flexible options are also available. Sign up volunteers can choose shifts that fit their availability, with a minimum commitment of four shifts or 24 hours of service. Student volunteers have an even lighter schedule designed to accommodate academic commitments, requiring three shifts or 18 hours of service. Both sign up and student volunteers can pick up additional shifts throughout the festival if they’d like to take on more responsibilities.
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Whichever route you choose, all volunteers are expected to complete more than three hours of online training before the festival and attend an in-person check-in ahead of their first shift. And because volunteering requires a significant time commitment, prospective applicants are encouraged to review all of the information on the festival’s website before applying so they fully understand the expectations and requirements.
Before applying, prospective volunteers can attend an optional information session via Zoom to learn more about the Sundance Festival, the volunteer program and what to expect. Each session will cover the same information, so attendees only need to join one.
Upcoming sessions include:
- August 11 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. MT
- August 13 – 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. MT
- September 2 – 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. MT
- September 9 – 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. MT
- September 16 – 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. MT
