The 42nd Sundance Film Festival is set to launch this week in Park City, Utah, marking a significant chapter in its storied history. This year's event represents both a poignant farewell to its long-standing Utah home and the first edition without its visionary founder, Robert Redford, who passed away in September at the age of 89.
A Festival in Transition
Despite these profound changes, Sundance's commitment to innovative and boundary-pushing cinema remains undiminished. The festival will showcase a robust lineup of 90 feature films premiering through 1 February, with pop icon Charli XCX making a notable appearance in three of the selected productions.
Celebrating Redford's Legacy
Robert Redford's immense contribution to independent film will be a central focus throughout the festival. Tributes include Friday night's annual fundraising gala dedicated to the founder, alongside special screenings of his 1969 independent sports drama "Downhill Racer." Additionally, a series of legacy screenings will feature restored Sundance classics such as "Little Miss Sunshine" and Barbara Kopple's documentary "American Dream."
Star-Studded Lineup and Buzzy Premieres
The festival promises an eclectic mix of established talent and emerging voices. Eugene Hernandez, Sundance's public programming director, described the programme as "a broad, eclectic and bold program" that blends new filmmakers with familiar Sundance alumni.
Notable celebrities expected to attend include Natalie Portman, Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, Olivia Wilde, and Olivia Colman. Among the highly anticipated films are Olivia Wilde's third directorial feature "The Invite," Cathy Yan's art world satire "The Gallerist" starring Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega, and Gregg Araki's "I Want Your Sex," described as a sex-positive love letter to Generation Z.
Charli XCX features in both "I Want Your Sex" and "The Gallerist," but her most prominent role comes in the self-referential mockumentary "The Moment." Other standout productions include "Wicker" starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, and "The Weight" featuring Russell Crowe and Ethan Hawke.
Documentary Highlights and Streaming Access
The nonfiction programme offers compelling documentaries, including Daniel Roher's film about artificial intelligence and profiles of Courtney Love and WNBA star Brittney Griner. For those unable to attend in person, the festival continues its successful online component, with films available to stream from 29 January through 1 February, with single film tickets starting at $35.
The Future of Sundance
This edition represents Sundance's final chapter in Park City before its relocation to Boulder, Colorado next January. While some films already have distribution deals—such as A24's release of "The Moment" on 30 January—others may secure agreements during the festival, with theatrical releases potentially following weeks or months later.
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival runs from Thursday, 22 January through Sunday, 1 February, with award winners announced on 30 January. Despite its impending move and the absence of its founder, the festival continues to champion the bold, independent spirit that has defined it for over four decades.
