A public evening at the intersection of local journalism, civic life and independent film as Sundance prepares for its 2027 Colorado debut.
Thursday — August 27, 2026
Program begins at 4:00 p.m.
Delta Hotels Denver Thornton, 10 E. 120th Ave., Northglenn, CO
Join Colorado newsroom leaders, civic voices, policymakers, filmmakers and community members for an evening about why trusted local information matters and what it takes to protect it.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC · $25 THURSDAY PASS · Full opening program + reception + evening program, including a Sundance Film Festival conversation
Newsroom leaders share stories that remind us why local news matters, followed by COLab Executive Director Laura Frank on Colorado journalism's road ahead.
A conversation with Colorado legislative leaders about the challenges facing local news and the role of public policy, followed by the Legislative Collaboration Awards.
Join us for snacks, drinks and time to connect with colleagues, community partners and news leaders from across Colorado.
The Sundance Film Festival director discusses the arts, journalism, community and the festival's upcoming Colorado debut.
A documentary about the 2023 police raid on the Marion County Record and the urgent questions it raised about press freedom.
Filmmaker Sharon Liese and Eugene Hernandez reflect on the film and its themes, followed by audience questions.
Courtesy of Herizon Productions.
Balancing the absurdity of small-town politics with the gravity of a constitutional crisis, the small town of Marion, Kansas is thrust into the international spotlight after a police raid on the Marion County Record and the death of its 98-year-old co-owner.
Filmmaker Sharon Liese documents the events and their aftermath in Seized. The documentary premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
$25 Thursday kickoff pass
Includes the full Thursday program, opening reception, screening and post-film conversation
Open to the public
Included with any other convention pass
Thursday — August 27, 2026
Program begins at 4:00 p.m.
Delta Hotels Denver Thornton
10 E. 120th Ave., Northglenn, CO 80233
