PARK CITY, Utah — Filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders gathered on March 10, 2026, to honor the legacy of Robert Redford during a gala at the Sundance Film Festival, marking the first edition since his passing. This year’s festival, the last to take place in Utah before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, serves as a tribute to the independent cinema haven Redford established decades ago.
Reflecting on Redford’s profound influence, his daughter, Amy Redford, remarked that he chose to create a supportive environment rather than a commercial empire. “The Sundance Institute was designed to support, protect, and nourish,” she noted, emphasizing her father’s dedication to emerging filmmakers. The core of this mission lies within the institute’s lab programs, which have nurtured generations of storytellers since their inception in 1981.
Honoring a Legacy of Empowerment
The Sundance labs have become a launching pad for numerous acclaimed filmmakers. Notably, three of the five nominees for Best Director at this year’s Academy Awards — Paul Thomas Anderson, Chloé Zhao, and Ryan Coogler — honed their craft through these programs. Zhao, whose film “Hamnet” received eight Oscar nominations this season, credited the screenwriting lab with igniting her career in 2012. She expressed gratitude for Redford’s mentorship, stating that it helped her trust her own artistic vision and connect with a community of creatives.
Other industry figures shared personal anecdotes that highlighted Redford’s supportive nature. Director Nia DaCosta recalled moments spent with him, describing his warmth and pride for the filmmakers he mentored. “He just looked so full of love and pride for us, for what he built,” DaCosta said, reflecting on the bond formed within the lab program.
Actor Ethan Hawke also took the stage to remember the pivotal moment when he auditioned for Redford in the 1992 film “A River Runs Through It.” Despite ultimately deeming Hawke too young for the role, Redford recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue his career. “I will keep the fire that he started burning in ourselves,” Hawke pledged.
Continuing the Spirit of Imagination
The festival’s opening night featured a heartfelt tribute video to Redford, which resonated deeply with attendees, eliciting thunderous applause. Many volunteers donned buttons that read “Thank you Bob!” In a fitting homage, a screening of Redford’s first independent film, the 1969 sports drama “Downhill Racer,” is scheduled later in the festival.
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay, who first attended Sundance as a publicist before making her own mark with the film “Middle of Nowhere,” reflected on Redford’s lasting impact. Her relationship with him evolved over the years, yet she felt a sense of reverence, often referring to him as “Mr. Redford.” She articulated that he not only established a festival but also a meaningful way of engaging with the arts. “He modeled a way that says artists matter, that imagination is worth protecting,” DuVernay stated.
As the festival continues, participants are reminded that the door Redford opened remains ajar, urging them to walk through and create their own paths in the world of cinema. In this spirit, DuVernay concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment, “Thank you, Bob.”
This celebration of Robert Redford’s life and work underlines his transformative influence on independent filmmaking, ensuring that his vision for nurturing talent will endure beyond the festival’s transition to a new location.
