BREAKING: The Sundance Film Festival just announced its first wave of programming for the highly anticipated 2026 edition, set for January 22 – February 1, 2026, in Park City, Utah. This marks the festival’s final year at its iconic Utah location before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027.
Festival officials revealed that the upcoming event will serve as a heartfelt tribute to its beloved founder, Robert Redford, who passed away last month at the age of 89. The entire festival will honor Redford’s legacy and vision, featuring special events and gatherings designed to celebrate his contributions to the film industry and the Sundance Institute.
The festival will kick off with a marquee fundraiser titled “Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford”, taking place at the start of the festival. Additionally, a commemorative screening of Redford’s landmark film, Downhill Racer, will be featured as part of the programming. This 1969 film not only marked Redford’s first independent project but also laid the groundwork for the birth of the Sundance Institute.
The Park City Legacy program, running from January 27-30, will showcase archival screenings of festival favorites and notable titles. Fans can expect a nostalgia-filled experience with appearances from directors and cast members of acclaimed films. Highlights include digitally restored versions of Little Miss Sunshine, Half Nelson, American Dream, Mysterious Skin, and a recent restoration of Saw.
Festival director Eugene Hernandez expressed the emotional weight of this year’s event: “It will be a very emotional, significant and fun festival this year as we try to do our best to honor that legacy and that impact.” The festival aims to unite the community and celebrate the over 40-year history that Redford helped create.
Next, attendees can look forward to special talks as part of the Beyond Film series, featuring conversations on cinema, culture, and legacy. Many events will take place at the iconic Egyptian Theatre, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Hernandez stated, “To have a few special events in this iconic venue in this special year will be really meaningful.”
Ticket packages for the festival will go on sale tomorrow, October 22, at 9 a.m. PT, with single tickets available starting January 14. Salt Lake City will also host several Sundance events, further expanding the festival’s reach.
As excitement builds for this final festival in Park City, individuals from the film industry are eager to participate and pay homage to Redford. Senior programmer John Nein noted that next year’s lineup will reflect Redford’s vision and values, focusing on community at the heart of the festival.
With this year’s Sundance promising to be not only a celebration of film but also a poignant tribute to a visionary, fans and filmmakers alike are encouraged to mark their calendars for what is sure to be a memorable farewell to an iconic festival venue. More details about the full lineup and additional events are expected to be released soon.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and prepare for a festival that promises to honor the legacy of a cinematic legend while delivering an unforgettable experience.
