Filmmakers and actors gathered at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday night to honor the legacy of Robert Redford, a pivotal figure in independent cinema. This year’s festival marks the first since his passing, and it is intended as a tribute to the haven he established in Utah for unique storytelling. With the festival set to relocate to Boulder, Colorado, after this year, attendees reflected on how Redford’s influence will continue to resonate.
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival serves as a heartfelt homage to Redford, who founded the Sundance Institute to support emerging filmmakers. His daughter, Amy Redford, spoke poignantly about her father’s vision. “When my dad could have created an empire, he created a nest,” she said. “The Sundance Institute was designed to support and protect and nourish and then set free.”
Redford’s commitment to nurturing new talent is evident in the institute’s lab programs, which have been running since 1981. These programs provide a platform for aspiring filmmakers to develop their work away from the pressures of Hollywood. Notably, three of the five nominees for Best Director at this year’s Academy Awards—Paul Thomas Anderson, Chloé Zhao, and Ryan Coogler—emerged from these labs. Zhao, whose film “Hamnet” received eight Oscar nominations, credited her experience in the screenwriting lab with igniting her career in 2012.
Reflecting on her time with Redford, Zhao emphasized the invaluable support she received. “He taught me to trust my own vision,” she stated, adding that the connections she made during her time at Sundance were instrumental to her success. Other past participants, like director Nia DaCosta, shared fond memories of Redford, recalling how he would ride his motorcycle through the serene landscapes of Utah. She remarked, “He just looked so full of love and pride for us, for what he built.”
Actor Ethan Hawke recounted his first audition for Redford in the 1992 film “A River Runs Through It.” Despite being deemed too young for the role, Hawke remembered Redford’s encouragement and mentorship, which has been a guiding force throughout his career. At the gala, Hawke expressed his commitment to keeping Redford’s spirit alive, vowing to “keep the fire that he started burning in ourselves.”
The festival’s screenings included a video tribute to Redford, which was met with enthusiastic applause from attendees. Many volunteers donned buttons that read “Thank you Bob!” In a special screening, the festival showcased Redford’s first independent film, the 1969 sports drama “Downhill Racer.”
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay also shared her experiences, recalling her initial involvement with Sundance as a publicist. She gained significant recognition in 2012 with her film “Middle of Nowhere” and later served as a trustee of the Sundance Institute. DuVernay remarked on Redford’s impact, saying, “Mr. Redford didn’t just establish a festival. He modeled a way to be, a way that matters.”
As the festival continues, the rich legacy of Robert Redford remains alive and well. His vision of fostering creativity and supporting artists has left an indelible mark on the film industry, ensuring that the door he opened will continue to welcome new voices. In an emotional moment, DuVernay concluded with a heartfelt, “Thank you, Bob.”
