The Legacy of Robert Redford
The global film industry is mourning the loss of Robert Redford, the founder of the Sundance Film Festival, a Hollywood star, and an Oscar award winner, who passed away at the age of 89. The Sundance Institute released a statement expressing their deep sadness over the loss of their founder and friend, saying that his vision for a platform for independent voices started a movement that has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the USA and around the world.
Tributes from the Film Industry
Many figures from the film industry have come forward to pay their tributes to Redford. Jane Fonda, a lifelong friend and co-star in several films, including "Barefoot in the Park" and "The Electric Horseman," said that his passing has hit her hard and that she can’t stop crying. Barbra Streisand, who worked with Redford on "The Way We Were," described him as charismatic, intelligent, and intense, and said that she is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.
Redford’s Impact on Independent Cinema
France’s Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, called Redford a "giant of American cinema" and said that his unique vision and commitment to independent film have made him a friend of France. The Cannes Film Festival also paid tribute to Redford, saying that he was more than a myth, but a model for independent filmmakers. Producer Anthony Bregman, who has had several films premiere at Sundance, said that Redford was his mentor and that his entire career as a producer is owed to the Sundance Institute and the festival that Redford built.
Memories and Homages
Tom Rothman, the chairman and CEO of the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, said that Redford’s passionate commitment to indie film and young artists has had a lasting impact on the industry. The Toronto International Film Festival also paid tribute to Redford, saying that he transformed the cinema and created space for generations of storytellers to share their voices. Martin Scorsese, who worked with Redford on "Quiz Show," said that Redford was a unique artist in front of and behind the camera, and that he was a committed member of the Film Foundation Board.
Condolences and Reflections
Meryl Streep, who played opposite Redford in "Out of Africa," said that one of the lions of the film industry has passed, and that she will miss her dear friend. Patrick Wachsberger, the Oscar-winning producer of "Coda," which premiered at Sundance in 2021, said that the world and the film industry have lost an inspiring visionary who was a beacon for independent filmmaking. Morgan Freeman, who worked with Redford on "Brubaker" and "An Unfinished Life," said that Redford was a friend and a colleague, and that he will be deeply missed. Ron Howard, Marlee Matlin, and the Independent Film and Television Alliance also paid their tributes to Redford, saying that he was an enormously influential cultural figure who changed the game for independent filmmakers.
