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Robert Redford\u2019s<\/a> Sundance Film Festival will honor the late independent cinema stalwart during the annual event\u2019s 2026 installment \u2014 its final one in Park City, Utah.<\/p>\n The festival, regarded as a launchpad for indie filmmakers, will feature a gathering titled \u201cCelebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford,\u201d<\/a> as one such \u201cmeaningful tribute to Robert Redford and his vision that has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema around the world,\u201d according to a press release Tuesday.<\/p>\n The Best Director Oscar winner, who died last month at age 89<\/a>, will loom large over the festival that he founded to nurture independent filmmakers and provide them with a space for their stories to be told.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to honoring the festival\u2019s time in Park City and Robert Redford\u2019s legacy,\u201d said Eugene Hernandez, the festival\u2019s director. \u201cHis fearless support of artistic integrity and risk-taking is at the core of the work we continue to do, and the 2026 festival will be a celebration of that important mission.\u201d<\/p>\n There will also be a commemorative screening of Michael Ritchie\u2019s BAFTA-winning 1969 film, \u201cDownhill Racer\u201d<\/a> \u2014 Redford\u2019s first independent film and one that served as the inspiration<\/a> for him to later create the festival. He starred in the film alongside Gene Hackman, who died earlier this year<\/a> at age 95.<\/p>\n Attendees of the festival will also enjoy The Park City Legacy program, which runs from Jan. 27 to Jan. 30. Included are brand-new digital restorations of previous Sundance breakouts, including \u201cLittle Miss Sunshine,\u201d \u201cHalf Nelson,\u201d \u201cAmerican Dream\u201d and \u201cMysterious Skin,\u201d as well as an archival showing of \u201cHumpday\u201d from the late writer-director Lynn Shelton.<\/p>\n In-person and virtual Sundance ticket packages and passes<\/a> go on sale Wednesday at 12 p.m. ET, with single film tickets becoming available on Jan. 14.<\/p>\n