Robert Redford's Daughter Amy Reflects on His Sundance Legacy

Amy Redford shares insights into her late father's favorite Sundance tradition and the film that inspired the festival's founding.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Robert Redford's daughter Amy reflects on her father's legacy and the impact of the Sundance Film Festival, which he founded in 1981 to support independent filmmakers. Amy shares that Robert's favorite Sundance moment was the annual filmmakers' brunch, where he would ground and encourage the young, often self-doubting filmmakers. She also reveals that Robert's 1969 film "Downhill Racer" was a catalyst for him to create the Sundance Institute, as the challenges he faced in getting that film made inspired him to "fix the barrier for entry" for independent filmmakers and audiences.

Why it matters

Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival and the Sundance Institute have played a crucial role in fostering independent cinema and providing a platform for emerging filmmakers over the past four decades. As the festival faces a transition to a new location in 2027, Amy Redford's insights into her father's vision and passion for supporting the independent film community offer valuable context about the festival's enduring legacy.

The details

Amy Redford, who serves on the Sundance Institute Board of Trustees, reflects on the emotional 2026 iteration of the Sundance Film Festival, the first since her father's passing in 2025 at the age of 89. She describes the "onslaught of generosity" and "healing" tributes to her father, who founded the Sundance Institute in 1981 to create new means of supporting independent artists and their films. Amy shares that Robert's favorite Sundance tradition was the annual filmmakers' brunch, where he would ground the young, often self-doubting filmmakers and remind them of their purpose. She also reveals that Robert's 1969 film "Downhill Racer", which he produced and starred in, was a catalyst for him to create the Sundance Institute, as the challenges he faced in getting that film made inspired him to "fix the barrier for entry" for independent filmmakers and audiences.

  • Robert Redford died in September 2025 at the age of 89.
  • The 2026 Sundance Film Festival took place from January 22 to February 1, 2026.
  • In 2027, the Sundance Film Festival will move from Park City and Salt Lake City to Boulder, Colorado.

The players

Robert Redford

The late actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 89.

Amy Redford

Robert Redford's daughter, who serves on the Sundance Institute Board of Trustees and reflects on her father's legacy in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

Downhill Racer

The 1969 film that Robert Redford produced and starred in, which he said was a catalyst for him to create the Sundance Institute to support independent filmmaking.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was maybe not prepared for what kind of an onslaught of generosity was going to be here. I'm so overwhelmed.”

— Amy Redford, Actress-filmmaker (PEOPLE)

“My dad's favorite moment was the filmmakers brunch, where he could sit in front of the young filmmakers — who were all quivering in their boots, you know, wondering, 'Do I deserve it?' You know, total imposter syndrome. He would ground them, and he would meet them where they needed to be met.”

— Amy Redford, Actress-filmmaker (PEOPLE)

“Pushing that boulder uphill was a stimulant for him to say, 'There's something broken in our industry, we need to fix it.' We have to fix that barrier for entry not only for filmmakers [but] for the audiences. You can't underestimate what audiences actually want to have access to.”

— Amy Redford, Actress-filmmaker (PEOPLE)

What’s next

In 2027, the Sundance Film Festival will move from its longtime home in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah to Boulder, Colorado, marking a significant transition for the iconic independent film event.

The takeaway

Robert Redford's enduring legacy and vision for the Sundance Film Festival and Institute continue to shape the independent film landscape, providing crucial support and a platform for emerging filmmakers. As the festival faces a move to a new location, Amy Redford's insights underscore her father's lifelong commitment to fostering a vibrant, accessible community for independent cinema.