Robert Redford dreamed of a festival in the mountains. Ultimately, he reshaped Hollywood

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I remember hearing how it all began back in the 1960s with a simple land purchase. From that, Robert Redford created something incredible – the Sundance Institute in 1981, which eventually grew into the Sundance Film Festival. He truly had a vision for changing how stories were told on screen. For so many filmmakers, especially those who wouldn’t have had a chance otherwise, Sundance opened doors and gave them a path into the industry. It’s been amazing to watch it all unfold.

I was really saddened to hear about Robert Redford’s passing. He was such a talent – already a major star with an Oscar under his belt for directing “Ordinary People” – when he decided to create the Sundance Institute. It was amazing that he wanted to give back and help independent filmmakers. He even used his property in Utah, named after his iconic role in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” as this incredible space for creativity and a peaceful escape where filmmakers could really develop their work.

From the beginning, Redford approached Sundance with a practical, enthusiastic spirit and a genuine love for the work, setting the tone for everything the organization would become.

In 2021, Robert Redford explained to The Times that when he founded the Institute, major film studios controlled the industry, and he was involved in it at the time. His goal was to champion ‘independence’ and support filmmakers who were overlooked by those powerful studios – giving them a platform. He emphasized that the Institute wasn’t meant to compete with or criticize the studios, but rather to create an additional path and more chances for filmmakers to succeed.

The original Sundance Lab started in 1981 and continues to this day. It brings together up-and-coming filmmakers and experienced mentors in a mountain setting to help develop new film projects.

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Films like ‘All the President’s Men,’ ‘The Natural,’ and ‘All Is Lost’ showcase the enduring impact of Academy Award winner Robert Redford, both as an actor and a filmmaker.

In 1985, the Institute took charge of a small film festival in Utah, originally called the U.S. Film Festival, and later renamed it the Sundance Film Festival. This festival became a launching pad for many now-famous directors, including Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Nia DaCosta, Taika Waititi, and Damien Chazelle, and helped make a career in independent filmmaking possible for countless others.

Early in his career, before directing films like “Black Panther” and “Sinners,” Ryan Coogler participated in the Sundance Lab. His first feature film, “Fruitvale Station,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award.

According to a statement to The Times, Ryan Coogler described Robert Redford as a role model for using his achievements to uplift his community and help others thrive. Coogler expressed deep gratitude for Redford’s support of Michelle Satter and the Sundance Labs. He noted that Redford’s loss is particularly felt during difficult times, recognizing him as a respected leader who positively impacted his industry.

Chloé Zhao first gained recognition at the festival in 2015 with her film “Songs My Brothers Taught Me,” which she developed through the festival’s labs. She later achieved even greater success with “Nomadland,” becoming only the second woman, and the first woman of color, to win an Academy Award for Best Director.

Chloé Zhao shared that attending the Sundance Labs was a turning point in her career. Before Sundance, she didn’t have connections in the film industry and wasn’t sure how to get her first movie made. She described being accepted into the Labs as a transformative experience – a supportive environment where her initial ideas blossomed. It was there she developed her unique filmmaking style and found a community that remains important to her.

From the very beginning of the Sundance Institute, Satter, who was a founding senior director of artist programs, sensed something special was developing under Robert Redford’s leadership. Despite its modest start, she recognized the organization’s potential.

In a 2021 interview, Satter recalled that Redford had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel included and valued as Sundance was being created. He genuinely listened to all opinions and viewpoints, while also holding a clear and unwavering vision for what he wanted the festival to become.

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Robert Redford was always in pursuit of something more substantial

For a long time, Redford was the public face of the film festival, often appearing at events and speaking at the opening press conference. Beginning in 2019, he became less visible at the festival, which coincided with his decision to retire from acting.

Over the years, the festival has seen several changes in leadership, with Geoffrey Gilmore, John Cooper, Tabitha Jackson, and now Eugene Hernandez each serving as festival director.

As a film lover, I’ve always been fascinated by how film festivals evolve, and Sundance is no exception. It’s really navigated some huge shifts in the industry, especially with the rise of streaming. I remember hearing how Steven Soderbergh’s “sex, lies and videotape” back in ’89 was a total game-changer for Sundance. Suddenly, everyone – the distributors, the talent scouts – realized this was *the* place to be. It wasn’t just about showing films; it was where you could discover the next big thing and actually *get* those films seen.

Before the Sundance Film Festival, it was much harder for new filmmakers and independent films to gain recognition, according to Kent Sanderson, CEO of Bleecker Street. He explained that Sundance’s support of early-career filmmakers by providing a prominent platform is crucial for the success of companies like his.

Sundance evolved into more than just a film market; it became a launching pad for new movies. Distributors showcase their films to the many journalists and industry professionals who attend, while investors search for promising projects and filmmakers seek funding.

Movies

Robert Redford, a celebrated actor and director known for films like ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,’ ‘The Way We Were,’ and ‘Ordinary People,’ and the founder of the Sundance film festival, has passed away at the age of 89.

According to Joe Pichirallo, a film professor at NYU and early executive at Searchlight Pictures, Robert Redford’s original goal was to build a space where innovative filmmaking could flourish. He achieved that, and the spirit continues today. Despite changes in the industry, the Sundance Film Festival remains a hugely important center for independent cinema.

In 2006, the film “Little Miss Sunshine,” directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, was bought by Searchlight Pictures for $10.5 million-a record amount at the time. More recently, in 2021, Apple TV+ acquired Siân Heder’s “CODA” for an even higher record of $25 million. “CODA” made history as the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival.

Despite all the changes, the festival, labs, and institute have consistently provided a place for new talent to develop and enter the industry.

According to Tom Bernard, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, Robert Redford essentially created a model for producing independent films. Over the years, his company has released many films that first appeared at the Sundance Film Festival, such as “Call Me by Your Name” and “Whiplash.”

Bernard explained that Robert Redford’s success at Sundance stemmed from his ability to evolve with the changing film industry. He called it an incredible accomplishment that profoundly impacted independent film, saying things simply wouldn’t be the same without his contributions.

Movies

When news broke that Robert Redford had passed away, social media was flooded with tributes from fellow actors and filmmakers like Jane Fonda, Ethan Hawke, Marlee Matlin, and Colman Domingo.

Throughout his career, Robert Redford successfully juggled acting in and directing films with running the Sundance Institute. Filmmaker Allison Anders, whose 1992 film “Gas Food Lodging” gained recognition at the Sundance Film Festival, recently shared a memory of Redford on Instagram.

Anders wrote that the person could have easily relied on their good looks alone and had a comfortable life. Instead, they chose to support writers and filmmakers like himself, giving opportunities to create unique and unseen characters. They could have simply been attractive, but they actively encouraged and helped others grow creatively.

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival in January will be held for the last time in Park City, Utah, after many years. Organizers had already planned a celebration of Robert Redford and his original vision for the festival, and this final event will now feel even more meaningful.

Beginning in 2027, the Sundance Film Festival will be held in Boulder, Colorado. No matter the location, the festival will continue to honor the vision Robert Redford originally created.

In 2021, Robert Redford explained his vision for the Institute, saying he’d always seen it as a starting point. He hoped it would grow and change over time, and he was pleased that it had.

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2025-09-17 02:32