The Sundance Film Festival will bring thousands of people to the Flatirons and much of Metro Denver, too. Nicole Nicoletta, who runs Rocky Mountain Women’s Film based in Colorado Springs, says that’s a good thing. Millions in state funds are going to the festival, which is expected to grow in size during its time in Boulder, and at least one state lawmaker, Democrat Bob Marshall from Douglas County, is unhappy about the public spending. However, Governor Jared Polis and Eve Lieberman, executive director of the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, say the festival is well worth the investment.

RealTalk is hosted by Colorado Public Radio’s Nathan Fernando-Frescas and Denver7’s Micah Smith.