Sundance 2026: Stars Shine, Farewells Honored, Celebrating Redford
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival is set to be an emotional occasion, blending beloved traditions with farewells. Taking place in Park City, Utah, from January 19 to 28, the festival showcases a diverse lineup of films. This year, attendees can expect both star appearances and independent films that may soon be nominated for Oscars.
Honoring Robert Redford
This year’s festival marks a poignant farewell to Robert Redford, the founder of Sundance, who passed away in September 2025. Celebrating his legacy will be a central theme during the festival.
Festival Highlights
- Screenings of restored classics including “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Mysterious Skin,” and “House Party.”
- Special tribute at the institute’s fundraising event, featuring honorees like Chloé Zhao and Ed Harris.
Gregg Araki, filmmaker of “Mysterious Skin”, emphasized Sundance’s role in nurturing independent cinema in America. Many filmmakers credit the festival for shaping their careers.
Notable Films and Filmmakers
Many festival veterans will return, highlighting their latest works:
- Daniel Roher, director of “Navalny,” presents “Tuner” and a documentary co-directed with Charlie Tyrell called “The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist.”
- Jay Duplass returns with “See You When I See You,” a film exploring grief through humor.
- Films featuring stars like Natalie Portman, Chris Pine, and Olivia Wilde are also part of the lineup.
Diverse Documentaries
The festival’s documentary selections include in-depth explorations of subjects such as:
- Brittney Griner
- Courtney Love
- Billie Jean King
Additional documentaries tackle critical social issues, including human rights abuses and historical events.
Looking Ahead
This will be the last Sundance held in Park City, as the festival transitions to Boulder, Colorado, for its future editions. Key venues like the Egyptian Theatre and Eccles Theater will be missed, but the spirit of Sundance will continue.
As attendees gather for this significant event, excitement remains for the new opportunities that lie ahead in Boulder, ensuring that the Sundance legacy endures.
For continuous updates about the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, visit Filmogaz.com.
