SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Robert Redford, Oscar-winning director and founder of Sundance, passed away at age 89. The Utah Film Commission Director and others across the state are remembering his legacy and contributions to Utah film.

On September 16, 2025, Robert Redford passed away at his Sundance home.

Robert Redford was an Oscar-winning director, liberal activist, and became known as the “godfather for independent cinema” when he founded Sundance, after the name of one of his most-loved characters.

Following his passing, many of Redford's fellow actors and many Utah public figures have shared statements or comments about him.

"He really championed film as art at a time when that wasn't the case nationwide," Virginia Pearce, the Utah Film Commission Director, said about Redford, adding

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