Watch: Sundance Institute’s ‘Remembering Robert Redford’ Tribute

Watch: Sundance Institute’s ‘Remembering Robert Redford’ Tribute

by Alex Billington
September 17, 2025
Source: YouTube

“Where the film business gets into trouble is when it tries to run art like a business. The fact is – art will survive anything…” The entire film industry and so many others are dealing with the profound sadness this week from losing the icon of cinema Robert Redford – who passed away on Tuesday at age 89. Aside from his beloved performances and the many films he directed, Redford’s greatest impact on cinema is perhaps the Sundance Film Festival and Sundance Institute. The original Utah/US Film Festival took place in 1978 (before becoming the “Sundance Film Festival” in 1991) and the Sundance Institute was later founded in 1980 by Redford himself – with the dream of inspiring / encouraging artists to develop their filmmaking skills outside of the pressure of Hollywood and of success / failure. It wasn’t just the initiative to create the institute and the festival, it was his inspirational idea behind starting them, the desire to change cinema by giving indie films & filmmakers a chance to thrive and potentially be noticed by the industry and beyond. The Sundance Institute released this heartfelt 7-min video tribute to Redford, focusing on his work creating the Sundance Labs and his wisdom in running them with the goal of diversity and inclusion and innovation.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford. Bob’s vision of a space and a platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his enormous contributions to culture at immense, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the original process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity. –Sundance Film Festival

This video was posted on the Sundance Institute’s official YouTube page. His words are still so powerful and so inspiring – and I believe his wisdom and his passion will continue to impact cinema for decades to come. He changed so many lives & filmmaking forever. The Sundance Institute also released a touching message after his death: “Bob’s vision launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. The vibrant storytelling landscape we cherish today, both as artists and audiences, is unimaginable without his passionate drive and principled leadership. Beyond Bob’s enormous contributions to culture at large, we will miss his generosity, clarity of purpose, curiosity, rebellious spirit, and his love for the creative process. We are humbled to be among the stewards of his remarkable legacy, which will continue to guide the Institute in perpetuity. As we look to the future, we are particularly grateful for the inspiring group of people who make up the Sundance Institute community. Thank you for your participation in our work that carries on Bob’s mission and vision.” What he says about why cinema & storytelling matter is as profound as ever. May Bob always be our spiritual guide…

Find more posts in: Feat, Featurette, Obituaries, To Watch