“Colorado is the best state for film and television artists, and I am thrilled today to sign this bipartisan law to support our growing film industry in Colorado that is captivating audiences, supporting hard-working Coloradans, and strengthening our tourism and economy," Polis said at the signing. "As the iconic Sundance Film Festival joins many successful film festivals operating across the state, we are ensuring that Colorado continues to be the top film festival state in the nation.”
Polis is a resident of Boulder, unlike John Rock, who left the town a few years ago after first moving there more than fifty years ago to attend the University of Colorado Boulder. We published Roth's look at the Boulder he left behind last week, and in emails and comments on the Westword Facebook post of his commentary "Sundance Could Destroy What's Special About Boulder," critics weren't kind. Says Luke:
I'm a Colorado native who has lived in Boulder since 1987, and I welcome the Sundance Film Festival. I don't claim to speak for others, like John Rock does, but i'm looking forward to the festival. ...Sundance will be awesome in Boulder, contrary to his negative belief.Adds Matthew:
“[Boulder] was the destination most young adults wanted to be a part of […] We were wealthy hippies!” This is probably the most tonedeaf piece I’ve ever seen from Westword.Counters MD:
Boulder has been long been ruined; with a shortage of affordable housing and the influx of tech bros, this town is a shell of what it once was. ...However, please don't pretend that diversity is actually a priority in a town that actively suffocates small, locally owned businesses. So long as playboys like Tebo properties and other affluent property management take over, Sundance is the least of my worries. Also, opening with Chief Niwot is pretty cringe, considering little to nothing has been done in any tangible land back. I'm sorry what John Rock loved changed, and I miss the old energy, too, but let's not kid ourselves into repeating bullshit as if this town's growth could be possible without suffocating Black and Brown neighborhoods and businesses. The same recipe for a white, elite town speaks volumes with inaction and a continuation of colonial BS. Thanks for pretending this place has actual values.Responds Matthew:
As someone who lives in Boulder, with small children, I invite John Rock to keep his opinions relegated to where he currently lives, not Boulder. In particular, it's great that he's moved away, but why write to the world that "economics takes over and destroys the very things that make it such a magical place" when he isn't even here today, as a current resident (much less raising children born here), to report on whether any of that is actually true or not? West World [sic] may not to reconsider publish such ungrounded, negative opinions about its community in the future.Offers Don:
Colorado has never wanted to attract something of national or international significance. I was surprised that it suddenly did now.Comments Michael:
Can't wait to see Boulder deal with 10,000 Uber drivers, greedy AirBnb'rs, pop-up opportunists and, of course, the scammers and petty crims. This is "be careful what you wish for" times ten.Adds Mark:
Bringing more over-privileged people to Boulder will destroy Boulder? Have you been to Boulder in the last twenty years? That's all it is already.Concludes Mary:
I hope everyone gets the whining out of their system before the first Sundance Film Festival comes to Boulder. It will make it even more special.
What do you think about Boulder? The Sundance Film Festival moving there? Rock's piece about it? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].
