Film icon Robert Redford passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a lasting legacy that includes the creation of the Sundance Film Festival. The festival, founded in the early 1980s, has become a global platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and launch their careers. Many Black directors, including Barry Jenkins, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Dee Rees, and Jordan Peele, have premiered their films at Sundance, leading to critical acclaim and success in Hollywood. Sundance continues to be a vital space for emerging talent, with filmmakers like Brittany Shyne and Nia DaCosta making waves with their work supported by the Sundance Institute.