The Sundance Film Festival has announced its programming details for the upcoming 2026 event, which will occur from January 22 to February 1 in Park City, Utah. This edition marks the festival’s final year in its longstanding location before it transitions to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027.
Tributes to Robert Redford
This year, the festival will pay tribute to its founder, Robert Redford, who passed away recently at the age of 89. The entire event will honor his vision and the impact he made on the filmmaking community.
- A marquee fundraiser titled “Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford” will kick off the festival.
- A commemorative screening of the film “Downhill Racer,” featuring Redford in a notable role, is also scheduled.
- Multiple gatherings promoting Redford’s mission will occur during the festival.
Park City Legacy Program
Among the highlights of this year’s festival is the Park City Legacy program running from January 27 to January 30. This initiative will showcase archival screenings of iconic films from previous festivals.
- Notable films include:
- “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)
- “American Dream” (1990)
- “Half Nelson” (2006)
- “Mysterious Skin” (2005)
- “Saw” (2004)
- “House Party” (1990)
- “Humpday” (2009)
Film Preservation Focus
The festival aims to emphasize film preservation through these screenings. Senior programmer John Nein expressed the importance of reflecting Redford’s values in this programming. Participants from each film are expected to attend and engage with audiences.
Special Events
Additions to the festival schedule include artist talks and various special events. The iconic Egyptian Theatre on Main Street will host several discussions.
One event, scheduled for January 30, will publicly celebrate the festival’s 40-year history, acknowledging its strong ties to the local Utah community.
Tickets and Screenings
Ticket packages for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival will go on sale on October 22 at 9 a.m. PT. Single tickets will be available starting January 14. In addition to screenings in Park City, many events will take place in Salt Lake City.
For film enthusiasts, this year’s Sundance Film Festival promises to be a memorable experience, blending tributes, nostalgia, and a celebration of cinematic history.
