Robert Redford to be honored with tributes at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

The Sundance Film Festival, a pivotal platform for independent filmmakers, has announced that its 2026 edition will serve as a tribute to its founder, Robert Redford, who passed away at the age of 89 last month. Scheduled to take place in Park City, Utah, this festival will be the last held in this location, marking an end of an era for the esteemed event known for nurturing artistic voices outside the traditional studio system.

The tribute, titled “Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford,” aims to honor Redford’s lasting impact on the film industry through a series of special presentations. A press release emphasized the significance of this commemoration, stating that it would reflect on Redford’s vision, which has inspired countless artists and transformed the landscape of global cinema. The festival, which Redford established to provide independent filmmakers with opportunities for exposure and creative expression, will undoubtedly carry his legacy deeply throughout its activities.

Eugene Hernandez, the director of the Sundance Film Festival, expressed the organization’s commitment to celebrating both the festival’s history in Park City and Redford’s indelible mark on the artistic community. Hernandez noted that Redford’s unwavering advocacy for artistic integrity and his willingness to embrace risk are foundational to Sundance’s ongoing mission. The 2026 festival is set to be a comprehensive celebration of these values, allowing attendees to reflect on the festival’s significant contributions over the decades.

Among the notable programming will be a commemorative screening of “Downhill Racer,” a BAFTA-winning film from 1969 that marked Redford’s first foray into independent filmmaking. This film not only showcased Redford’s talent alongside Gene Hackman, who also passed away earlier this year, but it also served as a catalyst for Redford’s decision to create the Sundance Festival.

The Park City Legacy program, running from January 27 to January 30, will include newly restored versions of iconic Sundance films such as “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Half Nelson.” A special archival screening of “Humpday,” directed by the late Lynn Shelton, will also be featured.

Tickets for both in-person and virtual attendance went on sale at noon ET on Wednesday, with single film tickets becoming available on January 14. Following more than four decades in Park City, the Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027, expanding its reach and support for independent filmmakers. The inaugural festival in Boulder will take place at various venues, including the pedestrian-centric Pearl Street Mall and the University of Colorado campus, marking a new chapter in the festival’s storied history.

As the Sundance Film Festival prepares for its final year in Park City, it solidifies its commitment to honoring the visionary contributions of Robert Redford, celebrating his profound influence on independent cinema and ensuring that its legacy continues to thrive.