Sundance Channel

Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline: the facts deserve repeating

Robert Redford — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:01:56 +0000

Joe Nocera's op-ed in the New York Times yesterday deserves a response and a reiteration of the facts surrounding the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. President Obama rejected the pipeline's permit last month when the GOP, in a political stunt, forced his hand to approve it without even the final route evident.

Visit Sundance’s inner sanctum: Check out video from the director’s brunch

Michelle Byrnes-Carney — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:24:07 +0000

One of the most exclusive events each year at the Sundance Film Festival is the director's brunch. It's an opportunity for all of the directors, from opening night hits to shorts, to kick back, relax and talk craft. There is no stress over sales or audience reactions, just bagels and a chance to mingle. It's one of Sundance founder Robert Robert's favorite festival events. And now you can get inside and see why.

Robert Redford stops by Sundance Channel HQ — See photos inside

Sundance Channel — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:32:56 +0000

The Sundance Film Festival founder stopped by the HQ to talk independent films and the state of the union.

Robert Redford talks Sundance Channel and our ‘independent spirit’

Sundance Channel — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:47:01 +0000

Robert Redford didn't just create the Sundance Film Festival, he also started Sundance Channel (thanks for that, btw). So when he stopped by to catch up (and make sure we were all doing our jobs correctly) he opened up about the challenges starting a channel pose for someone so rooted in the indie world. It all worked out and now Sundance Channel is expanding the audience for the types of films Sundance was started to foster. It's always nice to hear the boss say you are on the right track. Check out all of what Redford has to say on representing the 'independent spirit' over on our video page, or right here:

Robert Redford, Sundance and the State of the Union

Michelle Byrnes-Carney — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:41:23 +0000

America has got some issues and this year's slate of Sundance films is full of stories about 'em. Festival founder Robert Redford stopped by to talk with Sundance Channel about those issues, and he's got some valuable insights into the role independent cinema has to play in sharing stories about them.

Day 2: Take a look at who stopped by Sundance Channel HQ

Michelle Byrnes-Carney — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:13:28 +0000

So far, everybody has politely knocked the snow off their boots before they've tromped through Sundance Channel HQ out here in Park City. It was a busy day, with guests ranging from Mr. Sundance himself, Robert Redford, to Blythe Danner and Melanie Lynsky of HELLO I MUST BE GOING and the folks behind the gripping documentary about rape in the military THE INVISIBLE WAR stopping in for a chat. Check out all of those galleries and more:

President Obama stands up to big oil

Robert Redford — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:42:00 +0000

Photo by Emma Cassidy, licensed under a Creative Commons license

Let's face it: Big Oil is used to getting its way. But not today... and we have President Obama to thank for standing up to them in spite of the political risk. President Obama has just rejected a permit for the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline -- a project that promised riches for the oil giants and an environmental disaster for the rest of us. His decision represents a victory of historic proportions for people from throughout the pipeline path and all across America who have waged an uphill, years-long fight against one of the most nightmarish fossil fuel projects of our time. But make no mistake: Big Oil is going to fight back hard and fast.

A conversation with Robert Redford

Marlow Stern — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:04:24 +0000

First things first: at 75, actor, director, and Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford is as virile and dashing as ever. Named after his character from BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, Sundance was known as the U.S./Utah Film Festival when he founded it in 1978. In 1981, the festival moved to Park City, and in 1984, it was renamed the Sundance Film Festival. It soon became the premier showcase for independent film.

Like hard-hitting journalism? Make sure we see more of it

Sundance Channel — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:48:19 +0000

There are a million places to get your news these days. But when it comes to those really big investigations (you know, the ones that actually change things), we're dealing with fewer and fewer options. That's where ProPublica comes in, the independent, non-profit newsroom partners with news outlets to do real, serious investigative journalism. And they need your support.

Redford Says, “Thank You, Mr. President”

Sundance Channel — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:00:31 +0000

"This is American democracy at its best: a President who listens to the voice of the people and shows the courage to do what's right for the country. Thank you, Mr. President, for standing up to Big Oil. Thank you for standing up for us all." - Robert Redford on Keystone XL Pipeline decision, Nov. 10, 2011.

Redford & the NRDC to demonstrate against Big Oil in D.C.

Robert Redford — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:49:38 +0000

Before President Obama entered office he promised to stand up to big oil. Now it's up to him and his administration - not Congress - to stick to his promise and stop the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline once and for all. The pipeline will increase our dependence on foreign oil, create more pollution and threaten our land, water and climate. We're going to rally in Washington D.C. on November 6th to let Obama know that he has the people's support on this decision. If you'd like to do something about this, click to join the rally on November 6th, 2011.

Around (part of) the world in 7 days: Sundance films go cross-contintental this week

Perrin Drumm — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:33:22 +0000

Because it's on a Monday this year, which means you've been dressing up in costume every night since Friday, this might just be the longest Halloween weekend ever. It's not over yet, but if you're partied out, or just out of fake blood, stay in and cozy up to the Halloween episode of my "My So Called Life." Angela falls for the Jordan Catalano of the 50s, who's ghost still haunts the school gym, and (spoiler) her parents get so turned on by their costumes (he's a pirate, she's Rapunzel) that they decide to stay in and role play instead of going to the neighbor's party. Once the clock strikes November, though, we ditch all things Halloween with EVERLASTING MOMENTS (2008), by Swedish director Jan Troell, who worked with Nordic heavy-hitters like Max von Sydow and Liv Ullman, who he directed in some of her finest films, including THE EMIGRANTS (1971) and THE NEW LAND (1972). Then we venture south to France with Claude Chabrol's A GIRL CUT IN TWO (2007). Chabrol, who died just last year, is credited with starting the nouvelle vague. He was a critic at the famed Cahiers du Cinema in the 50s and directed...

Redford urges Obama to stop the Keystone XL pipeline

Perrin Drumm — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:34:59 +0000

Robert Redford delivers a powerful message to President Obama, asking him to say no to the Keystone XL pipeline that threatens to destroy "the bread basket of America" so big oil can turn a profit.

Redford urges resistance to the dirtiest oil on the planet

Robert Redford — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:56:28 +0000

When you challenge Big Oil in Houston, you can bet the industry is going to punch back. So when I wrote in the Houston Chronicle earlier this month that we should say no to the Keystone XL pipeline, I wasn't surprised when the project's chief executive weighed in with a different view. The corporate rejoinder, written by Alex Pourbaix, president for energy and oil pipelines for the TransCanada Corp., purported to cite "errors" in my oped. Let's set the record straight, point by point. First, the Keystone XL, as proposed, would run from Canada across the width of our country to Texas oil refineries and ports. It would carry diluted bitumen, a kind of crude oil, produced from the Alberta tar sands. On those points, we all agree. I say this is a bad idea. It would put farmers, ranchers and croplands at risk across much of the Great Plains. It would feed our costly addiction to oil. And it would wed our future to the destructive production of tar sands crude...

“Sabotaging” ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN

Matthew Rodriguez — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:00:44 +0000

JY CINEMASHUP - All the President's Boys from Jeff Yorkes on Vimeo.

I can't get enough of this "cinemashup" by Jeff Yorkes that re-edits scenes from ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN with the Beastie Boys punk-rap "Sabotage," a song which Pitchfork argued: "Whyyyyyyyyy?!?" - surely the single greatest utterance of that word in the history of pop music. As an American political history junkie growing up (I know, I know. The ladies weren't too impressed either) I was obsessed with this film, which starred Dustin Hoffman and our own Dear Leader around these parts, Robert Redford. Overlaid with the Beastie Boys' aggressive song, the film's already taut tone goes into overdrive. What seems so disparate on paper makes perfect sense when you watch the video, reinforced by the second line of the song that screamingly makes it such a natural fit for the film: "I'm gonna set it straight this Watergate."

Redford speaks out on Obama and sparks political debate

Sundance Channel — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:01:29 +0000

If you haven't been over to the Politico blog yet today, you might want to head over and check out the brewing debate started by Redford's comments on Obama's lackadaisical stance on environmental issues, which originally appeared on the Huffington Post. Politico's short version of Redford's longer piece is:

As Companies Gather for Shareholder Meetings, Opposition to Bristol Bay Mine Mounts

Robert Redford — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:00:43 +0000

As Companies Gather for Shareholder Meetings, Opposition to Bristol Bay Mine Mounts

Sundance 2011 = Officially Over

Nicole LaPorte — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:55:12 +0000

(Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images)

It’s been a long week—exhilarating, grueling, and never, ever dull—but Sundance 2011 is officially over. The stars, the studio executives, and the filmmakers have all packed up their North Face gear and headed home, wherever that may be. Looking back on the last several days, there were some amazing, quintessentially Sundance-ian moments. We got to meet Robert Redford! We got to talk to young, idealistic, and extremely talented new artists (Brit Marling, Mike Cahill, for instance) whom we will certainly be hearing more from, and who are a reminder of Sundance’s real purpose (beyond an excuse to see a lot of great movies in the middle of a snowy paradise). As Marling told us, just following the premiere of ANOTHER EARTH, “I feel so lucky to be a part of this. Sundance is bringing together all these people and you know, brings them all into this little, this tiny town in the middle of the snow, and everyone can just talk and revel in ideas and make them into realities. It’s pretty awesome.”

Festival SUNcovered with Robert Redford, Forest Whitaker, Cory Booker and More!

Sundance Channel — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:02:39 +0000

SUNcovered attends the gala event for the new Season of BRICK CITY at Sundance Channel HQ. BRICK CITY premieres Sunday, January 30th at 8 PM! Want to see more? Check out clips from the festival here. Be sure to satisfy all your festival needs with the latest buzz, top stories, and celebrity interviews from Sundance [...]

ROBERT REDFORD (Festival Updates 2011)

Sundance Channel — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:54:32 +0000

Robert Redford sits down for an interview at the Honda Power of Dreams Studio, Sundance Channel HQ. Want to see more? Check out clips from the festival here. Be sure to satisfy all your festival needs with the latest buzz, top stories, and celebrity interviews from Sundance Channel’s coverage of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

Robert Redford on Career ‘Irony’

Amy Reiter — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:22:54 +0000

You might be surprised to learn, as we were, that Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford, who has nurtured the work of countless filmmakers over the years, doesn’t have a scrum of those filmmakers clamoring to cast him in meaty roles. “I ask the question — I say, ‘Hey I’d like to be [in that [...]

Sundance Source: Where it all began

Sundance Channel — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:08:47 +0000

After stopping by the Sundance Channel HQ, take a short drive to the place where it all began, Sundance Resort. The resort was started by Robert Redford in 1969 and is the birthplace of all things Sundance. It’s a great place to take in a film, have an amazing meal, listen to Live Music in [...]

Interview: Robert Redford

Nicole LaPorte — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 01:35:36 +0000

“O.K., what’s up?” This is how Robert Redford, i.e. The Most Important Person on The Planet, as far as the Sundance Film Festival is concerned, starts a conversation. It’s Friday afternoon, and he’s just finished an interview for Sundance Channel, is about to dash off to do God knows what (judging by the number of [...]

Redford: No Plans to Retire

Amy Reiter — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:52:53 +0000

It honestly hadn’t occurred to us to be concerned that Robert Redford might retire and hand over the Sundance Film Festival reins anytime soon, but now we really don’t have to worry about it. In response to a reporter’s inquiry about retirement plans at the opening press conference for the 2011 Sundance Film Festival on [...]

Sundance’s Cooper credits Utah for bravery

Amy Reiter — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:00:33 +0000

Do we have the good people of Utah to thank for last year’s Sundance Film Festival reboot, in which director John Cooper and founder Robert Redford brushed away Hollywood commercialism like a light dusting of snow and returned the festival to its gritty indie roots, a reorientation they plan to continue this year? That may [...]

Sundance Film Festival: Be There … if you’re serious about indie film

Amy Reiter — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:01:20 +0000

Last year, the Sundance Film Festival made a point of returning to its indie roots, away from glitzy Hollywood fare and back to the riskier films on which it made its name. In keeping with this back-to-basics approach, the 2010 festival played on themes of renewal, rebirth, rebellion … “ReWork.” So what to make of [...]

Robert Redford Receives “Legion d’Honneur” from France’s President Sarkozy

Sundance Channel — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:28:24 +0000

Robert Redford (R) with President Sarkozy (L). (Photo by FRANCOIS MORI/AFP/Getty Images) OCTOBER 14, 2010-(Paris, France)- Robert Redford received one of France’s most highly esteemed recognitions today in Paris, the emblem of the “Légion d’Honneur” established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. Redford was acknowledged for his work as actor and director, his decades long involvement [...]

CRUDE Legal Defense Fundraiser at IFC Center: Tuesday, June 22 at 8pm

Sundance Channel — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:16:22 +0000

CRUDE (Legal Defense Fundraiser) Tues, June 22 @ 8 pm IFC CENTER Q&A w/ director Joe Berlinger, attorney Maura Wogan, Morgan Spurlock, Michael Winship (WGA East) Tickets are $16 (all proceeds go to Berlinger’s legal defense fund) Tickets now on sale | More info To support Berlinger’s legal defense fund and shine additional light on [...]

‘The Fix:’ Dirty Energy’s Undue Influence on American Political Life

Robert Redford — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:42:34 +0000

The glove-covered hands of Dan Howells, deputy campaign director with Greenpeace, are coated with a layer of oil after he dipped them in oil floating on the surface in the Gulf of Mexico following the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill near Grand Isle, Louisiana, June 10, 2010. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Like most Americans, I am horrified by the unending catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. Even with the latest containment cap in place, oil is likely to hemorrhage from BP's ruptured well until August or beyond. As I try to convey in my new video, "The Fix," I am appalled by what this spill is doing to Gulf fishermen, families, communities and wildlife. But I am also disgusted by what it reveals about the oil industry's role in American political life. With their deep pockets, oil companies have purchased loose safety regulations, slack oversight and support from key lawmakers. Last year alone, the industry spent a $168 million on lobbying -- $16 million of which came from BP. The blowout on the Deepwater Horizon is a symptom of this undue influence. It is time for the collusion to stop. As long as it continues, Americans will pay the price in the form of devastated ecosystems and a fossil fuel addiction that benefits oil companies, not ordinary citizens.

Joe Berlinger vs. Chevron: Why We Must All Defend Independent Filmmaking

Robert Redford — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:52:29 +0000

I have devoted a significant part of my life’s work in support of the independent artist — independent referring not to the size of a project, its funding or subject matter; rather, to the singular vision and voice of that artist. I founded Sundance Institute 30 years ago out of the belief that it is [...]

Redford Center’s Art of Activism Program with Rosario Dawson: June 9 in San Francisco

Sundance Channel — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:52:04 +0000

Don’t miss the Redford Center’s upcoming Art of Activism program: June 9 at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas in San Francisco. The evening will examine and celebrate the leadership efforts of award winning actress, Rosario Dawson (Rent, Kids, Seven Pounds), and two extraordinary Bay Area activists, Martha Ryan and James Burk. Rosario Dawson will discuss the [...]

Robert Redford: “Mr. President, now is the time for clean energy.”

Robert Redford — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:15:04 +0000

Thursday, May 20, 2010, marks one month since BP’s oil rig exploded in the Gulf Coast, killing 11 people and unleashing one of the worst environmental disasters our nation has ever seen. Since then, millions of gallons of oil have gushed into the ocean, poisoning marine life and threatening hundreds of miles of coastal [...]

Earth Week insight: Robert Redford interview in On Earth

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:50:14 +0000

While the list of Hollywood environmentalists continues to grow, few have been involved in the movement longer or more consistently than Sundance founder Robert Redford. As such, NRDC's On Earth chose to publish an interview with Redford late last week in which he reflects on the first Earth Day forty years ago, his own environmental awakenings, and how the movement to protect and conserve our natural resources has developed, changed, and even taken some detours since 1970.

Criterion releases DOWNHILL RACER

Perrin Drumm — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:20:08 +0000

Most sports movies will try to convince you that it's not about winning, it's about how you play the game. Not DOWNHILL RACER (1969). In fact, one of the primary reasons Robert Redford struggled to get this film made was because no one had made a sports movie with a protagonist whose amorality and arrogance had no effect on his winning streak. He chose to center the narrative around downhill racing pretty much because baseball and football were already taken.

Robert Redford on Paul Newman, Sundance and the Increasingly Crucial Fight to Save the Earth

Sundance Channel — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:25:30 +0000

Speaking about his long-time friend and mentor, Robert Redford told a crowd in New York City that he learned a great deal from the late Paul Newman, especially generosity. "Back then it was really about actors playing roles. It wasn't until later that it became more about actors' personalities," Redford told a packed theater at Lincoln Center. The crowd enthusiastically hung on Redford's words. This was no doubt because of the star power of the great actor, director and Sundance Institute creator (particularly because the audience skewed toward his generation), but perhaps even more so because the crowd was packed with committed environmentalists. This was a special, intimate conversation between Redford, a longtime green leader, and veteran radio journalist Bob Edwards (formerly of NPR and now of Sirius radio), hosted by the New York-based Natural Resources Defense Council (Watch video of NRDC head Frances Beinecke accepting a 2009 Heart of Green Award).

Festival Updates Spotlight: The People Speak

Sundance Channel — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:32:35 +0000

Robert Redford, Marissa Tomei, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson and more read excerpts from Howard Zinn's Voices of a People's History of the United States for the forthcoming documentary THE PEOPLE SPEAK.

A Friendly Reminder from Howard Zinn that U.S. History is Mostly Horrific

Ryan Kearney — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:19:36 +0000

Celebrities, from the A list on down, are a dime a dozen at Sundance, where even nobodies (like me) walk around acting like they belong here—like they're more important than that nobody walking in the opposite direction.

Beer O’Clock at the Sundance Channel

Ryan Kearney — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:24:24 +0000

There are myriad ways of judging whether a party is a success or not.

Festival Updates Spotlight: Filmmakers

Sundance Channel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:34:50 +0000

Robert Redford speaks to the filmmakers of this year's festival about creating a sense of community of like-minded artists.

New Frontiers: The Future of Filmmaking?

Ryan Kearney — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:42:26 +0000

One of thousands of digital snapshots that make up “We Feel Fine,” an installation at New Frontiers’ headquarters With Sundance billing this year as its 25th anniversary, Robert Redford today was asked the expected questions about the festival’s past vs. present, but he resisted nostalgia and instead focused on the festival’s future. Sundance hasn’t changed [...]

Robert Redford: The Spin

Robert Redford — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

With all the spin… the flip, the bob, the weave… the duplicitous behavior coming from the Republicans… scrapping around in campaign desperation. Blurring the facts seems to be a strategy. But what’s not a blur is that the Republican party has had it all for the last 8 years – Presidency and national administration, both [...]

Robert Redford: The American People

Robert Redford — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Are we missing something? The simple and clear story? The real story? To resurrect a popular campaign phrase from a while back: Are you better off than you were 4 years ago? How about 8 years ago? I do admire the messaging skill of the Republican machine — simple, clear, repetitive and strong. But wrong. [...]

Five Things To Know Before Coming To Sundance (plus Five): Wash Wetmoreland And Richard Glatzer

Peter Bowen — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 01:15:00 +0000

Filmmaking duo Wash Westmoreland and Richard Glatzer show up last year to Sundance with thier low-budget no-star "kitchen sink" drama QUINCEANERA. They left winning both Grand Jury prize and Audience Award. Now we can learn from their experience. Read more after the jump...