Sundance Honors Robert Redford Amid Upcoming Utah Departure
The Sundance Film Festival is gearing up for a momentous farewell to its long-time home in Park City, Utah. The 2026 festival, running from January 22 to February 1, will celebrate the legacy of its founder, Robert Redford, who recently passed away. Festival Director Eugene Hernandez emphasized the importance of this culmination, stating that it will be an “awesome” event for filmmakers, artists, and attendees.
Sundance Film Festival 2026 Highlights
The festival is planning a variety of screenings and legacy programs, including digital restorations of popular films that have previously been showcased. Some confirmed titles running from January 27 to 30 include:
- Little Miss Sunshine (Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris)
- House Party (Directed by Reginald Hudlin)
- Half Nelson (Directed by Ryan Fleck)
- American Dream (Directed by Barbara Kopple)
- Mysterious Skin (Directed by Gregg Araki)
- Saw (Directed by James Wan)
Additionally, the festival will feature special screenings like Lynn Shelton’s Humpday, which originally debuted in 2009. These legacy films provide audiences an opportunity to revisit landmark works that have shaped the landscape of independent cinema.
Events and Programming
The festival will also include a range of engaging talks and discussions as part of the “Beyond Film” series. This initiative aims to foster dialogue around storytelling while celebrating the festival’s history.
| Event Type | Date |
|---|---|
| Sundance Film Festival | January 22 – February 1, 2026 |
| Legacy Film Screenings | January 27 – 30, 2026 |
| Culmination Event | January 30, 2026 |
As the festival prepares to transition to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027, the legacy of Robert Redford remains at the forefront. Hernandez expressed a commitment to uphold the mission established by Redford, ensuring that the spirit of Sundance will continue to thrive in its new location.
Festival passes and packages are now on sale, and anticipation is high for this historic farewell to Park City. The 2026 Sundance Film Festival promises to be a unique blend of nostalgia and groundbreaking cinema, making it an event that should not be missed.
