Sundance Institute

American organization

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The Sundance Institute is an American organization founded in 1981 by Robert Redford and others in Park City, Utah. Its primary mission is to support the development of independent film projects and filmmakers.1

The institute is perhaps best known for the Sundance Film Festival, which began in 1978 as the Utah/United States Film Festival. Held annually in January, it has become one of the most respected film festivals in the United States, showcasing approximately 90 independent films during its 10-day run. The festival is renowned for launching the careers of many American independent filmmakers. In 2025, it was announced that the festival would move to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Robert Redford
Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival
In 1980 Redford established the Sundance Institute at the site as a vehicle to support independent filmmakers whose work did not fit into the constraints of Hollywood studios. The institute became known for hosting “labs” each year, in which established filmmakers provided workshops and guidance to young directors and screenwriters…
Read More
In 1980 Redford established the Sundance Institute at the site as a vehicle to support independent filmmakers whose work did not fit into the constraints of Hollywood studios. The institute became known for hosting “labs” each year, in which established filmmakers provided workshops and guidance to young directors and screenwriters…
Read More