Sundance Film Festival

David Chappellet, a fictional downhill racer played by Robert Redford in the 1969 film "Downhill Racer," continues to inspire skiers. The movie remains a badge of honor for American downhillers, embodying their spirit and underdog role in a European-centric sport.

The film based on director Beth de Araújo’ own childhood experience won the U.S. dramatic grand jury prize and the audience award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

As the storied independent film festival prepares to leave its longtime Utah home, attendees and film industry insiders look back.

Streaming became popular during COVID-19 and remains a beloved option. You can watch on your computer or TV through the Sundance Film Festival website.

The altercation occurred Friday night at a private party hosted by the talent agency CAA. Frost is thanking venue security and police for their help. The suspect, identified as Christian Young, reportedly crashed the party.

It's a question asked as people move from film to film and wander Park City's streets: “Will you still go to the festival when it moves to Boulder?”

Sundance 2026 marks the last edition in its longtime Utah home and the first without founder Robert Redford, who died in September. Redford will be honored with tributes and retrospective screenings.

The final Utah festival slate includes documentaries on figures like Brittney Griner and Nelson Mandela, and feature films starring the likes of Natalie Portman and Channing Tatum.

This January, Sundance's last in Utah, will feature a screening of Redford's first independent film, “Downhill Racer,” along with restored festival classics like “Little Miss Sunshine” and “House Party.”

Redford died “at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement. No cause of death was provided.

Park City Mayor Nann Worel doesn’t know why Sundance passed on the joint Salt Lake City and Park City bid but acknowledged politics could have inadvertently injected itself into the discussion.

Colorado, like Outdoor Retailer before, has lured away another Utah institution. The film festival has called Utah home since 1978.