The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will honor its history in a major way. Running from January 22 through February 1 in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, the festival announced its Park City Legacy program, featuring restored screenings of iconic films, artist talks, and community events. This year carries extra weight as it serves as a tribute to festival founder Robert Redford, whose vision shaped independent cinema for over four decades.

The Park City Legacy portion runs from January 27 to 30, during the festival's second half. Seven films that premiered at previous Sundance editions will screen in newly restored versions, with directors and select cast members scheduled to appear. The lineup spans different eras and genres, all representing the kind of bold storytelling Sundance has championed since 1985.

The Films Getting the Restoration Treatment

New 4K digital restorations include "Little Miss Sunshine" (Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris), "House Party" (Reginald Hudlin), "Half Nelson" (Ryan Fleck), "American Dream" (Barbara Kopple), and "Mysterious Skin" (Gregg Araki). A recent restoration of "Saw" (James Wan) will also screen, along with an archival presentation of "Humpday" (Lynn Shelton). The series includes a retrospective short film program as well.

"Little Miss Sunshine" celebrates its 20th anniversary. The 2006 premiere launched the directing duo's career and earned four Oscar nominations, winning for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor. Attendees can expect appearances from directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, screenwriter Michael Arndt, and cast members Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, and Greg Kinnear.

"Half Nelson" also marks 20 years since its premiere. Ryan Gosling's performance earned him an Oscar nomination, and directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden will attend, along with other guests.

Documentary and Genre Films in the Mix

Barbara Kopple's "American Dream" hits its 35th anniversary. The documentary about striking meatpacking workers won the 1991 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature after taking home multiple prizes at Sundance. Kopple will be present for the screening.

Reginald Hudlin's "House Party" returns from the 1990 festival, where it won awards for cinematography and the Filmmaker Trophy. Both Reginald and producer Warrington Hudlin will attend.

On the genre side, "Saw" premiered at the 2004 festival in the Midnight section. Director James Wan and other participants will join for this screening of the film that launched a massive horror franchise.

Honoring Robert Redford's Vision

The festival will screen "Downhill Racer" (1969), Redford's first independent film and the project that inspired him to create Sundance Institute and the festival itself. Throughout the 11 days, multiple gatherings will celebrate his legacy, including a tribute event, a Salt Lake City celebration, and a Directors Brunch at Sundance Mountain Resort.

Eugene Hernandez, Director of Sundance Film Festival and Public Programming, emphasized the significance: "In the coming weeks as we announce the projects premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, we aim to have these compelling new stories in conversation with films from the Festival's first four decades."

Egyptian Theatre Returns to the Spotlight

Select talks will take place at the Egyptian Theatre, one of the festival's original venues and a place where the Sundance community first formed. The theater celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026 as "The Jewel of Main Street." Special Beyond Film series discussions will bring alumni artists together to talk about legacy and storytelling, with participants to be announced.

A public culmination event on January 30 will thank the Park City and Utah community for four decades of support. Details and location are still coming.

Tickets and Packages Available Now

Ticket passes and packages went on sale October 22 at 9 a.m. PT. Options range from a $275 Ignite Package for attendees aged 18 to 25, up to a $4,275 Express Pass for unlimited second-half screenings with priority access. Utah residents can grab a Locals Ticket Package for $675, which includes 10 screenings.

Online options are also available, with a new unlimited Festival Pass priced at $815 for the online program running January 29 through February 1. Single film tickets go on sale January 14, 2026.

Kim Yutani, Director of Programming, noted the program's importance: "This coming January we're looking forward to hosting our community of alumni, artists, industry, staff, and volunteers with deep connections to the Festival in Utah as they come together in celebration of a place so meaningful to us all."

Festival proceeds support Sundance Institute's year-round artist programs, including labs, grants, fellowships, and residencies for emerging filmmakers.