PHOTO:A.
Robert Redford - Founder of the Sundance Film Festival
R o b e r t R e d f o r d
For decades, Redford’s vision reshaped not only Sundance, but the global independent film landscape, creating a platform where original voices could find both audience and opportunity. This year’s festival served as a quiet bookend to that legacy, celebrating the impact of a man whose belief in independent cinema changed the course of film history.
STAY INSPIRED NEVER STOP DREAMING
From the Editor
Year after year, we have walked the snowy streets of Park City, sat in packed theaters, interviewed first-time filmmakers, and watched careers take flight. Sundance has never been just a festival to us, it has been a classroom, a community\and a place we return to, year after year to share what dare be told.
Letter from the Editor
For more than a decade, Indie Entertainment Magazine™ has stood at the heart of independent film and culture. What began in 2014 as a small passion project in Utah became a creative risk worth taking: bearing witness to the bold, the uncertain, and the dreamers willing to carry original ideas into the world.
Inside these pages, you’ll find reflections on the legacy of Robert Redford, whose vision reshaped independent cinema, alongside stories from the Sundance Institute Indigenous Program and emerging platforms supporting filmmakers around the world You’ll also see moments captured from our years on the ground smiles, screenings, and the rare magic that happens when creativity and opportunity collide.
Our mission remains the same: to create media that inspires, connects, and empowers people to share their own narratives. We believe in stories that bring strangers and families together, spark imagination, and remind us of our shared humanity. In a fast-changing industry, that purpose feels more necessary than ever.
Thank you to every filmmaker, artist, reader, and supporter who has been part of this journey
A special thank you to my sister our Director of Photography, and without question the coolest and funniest person to cover Sundance with. My best friend and cohort in all things suspicious. And to my children, who inspire me every day: my daughter, whose mind and heart continually expand how I see the world, and my son, one of the gentlest souls I know. Both remind me daily of the kind of human being I still hope to become.
Here’s a beautiful hello to the next chapter....
Monica B. Morrison Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Indie
Entertainment
Magazine™ Indie Entertainment Network
HonoringStories, SupportingSovereignty, andExpanding IndigenousVoicesinFilm NativeAmericanFilm Projects
Sundance2026Edition
Photo:A.L'Archevêque
AIIndie culture has long been the breeding ground for innovation, authenticity, and boundary-pushing creativityAs we step into 2026, the future looks both promising and complex for indie creators.
With AI reshaping production, blurring lines, audiences are craving genuine experiences. Amid digital overload, indie culture is poised for transformation. In this article, we dive into key trends and predictions, drawing from industry insights to what’s next for indie filmmakers, musicians, authors, game developers, and more.
AIis no longer a futuristic gimmick, it’s embedding itself deep into creative
workflows, offering indie creators unprecedented access to high-quality tools while sparking debates over authenticity and jobs. Generative video technologies, like those from Sora and Runway, are hitting prime time, allowing independents to produce scenes and effects with minimal budgets and teams. This democratizes production, enabling solo filmmakers or small studios to craft visually stunning content that rivals big-budget fare.
In music, AI-generated tracks are expected to chart, but they’ll also expose limitations, prompting indie artists to blend human emotion with tech for standout work.
In music, AI-generated tracks are expected to chart, but they’ll also expose limitations, prompting indie artists to blend human emotion with tech for standout work.
However, a backlash against AI’s polished sheen is brewing. Creators and audiences alike are gravitating toward human imperfections—glitches, handmade elements, and analog textures—to differentiate in a saturated market. For indie authors, AI-assisted narration and translation are becoming mainstream, making audiobooks and global markets accessible without hefty costs, though human-edited versions remain premium.
Predictions suggest studios will enforce AI disclosure policies, standardizing credits to maintain trust, which could benefit indies by emphasizing ethical use. Overall, AI will serve as infrastructure for personalization and prototyping, but human judgment will be key to avoiding mediocrity.
Read the full story online at: IndieEntertainmentMagazine.com
“What Lies Ahead for Indie Entertainment?”
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BEHIND THE VISION: “A PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO ROBERT REDFORD”
By: Monica B Morrison - Founder Indie Entertainment Magazine™
Before I founded Indie Entertainment Magazine™, I began my journey in Robert Redford’s private office at the Sundance Resort. Today, I am honored to share this personal tribute of memories to a man who was not only my former boss, but a visionary who forever changed the landscape of film
Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his beloved home in Sundance, Utah, at the age of 89. To the world, he was the golden-haired icon of classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting But for those of us at Sundance, Redford was something far more profound: the godfather of independent film and a visionary who turned his Hollywood clout into a lifeline for emerging artists in the Wasatch Mountains His legacy isn’t measured in boxoffice numbers, but in the countless voices he amplified when no one else was watching.
The Natural Talent: A Personal Reflection
I first encountered Robert Redford not through his films, but as my boss at the Sundance Institute. Working in his private office a modest cabin shared with just three others, including Bob Maynard, the resort’s visionary CEO was eyeopening At the time, I was young and perhaps didn’t fully grasp the significance of the people I was working for, but years later, the weight of those experiences truly settled in
One scene that never left me involves Bob Maynard I’ll never forget him asking me to check if his wife Nancy’s plane had landed; he was so insistent that flowers be waiting at the house before she even walked through the door. I was naive back then, but the sincerity of his concern stuck with me. I remember thinking, “I hope I get that lucky”
Those human moments were mirrored by the Redford family themselves. I loved the quiet afternoons when the children, Shauna, Jamie, or Amy
would pop into the office to pick up cabin keys or just hang out around the resort’s restaurant Watching them together as a private family, while seeing Bob’s quiet dedication to them, transformed his industry persona into something far more relatable: a dad whose family clearly meant the world to him
The office itself was as unique as its inhabitants The decorations were exquisite and clearly expensive, yet ironically I instantly felt at home. The space was adorned with beautiful Native American art, and being Native myself, I thought, “Right on ” Mr Redford possessed an effortless presence and natural charisma. He was direct and nononsense, a quality I respected deeply; he could make the most complex ideas feel both simple and urgent
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
Out of Africa has always been my favorite Redford film; his polished charm seemed untouchable from afar But sitting in that small cabin, I glimpsed the depth behind the public persona He was a man of grounded conviction, using his platform to safeguard artistic freedom. Those were simpler times, and I will never forget the quiet respect he showed to a humble office assistant
One day, while taking a break on the cabin’s small porch, something surreal unfolded
From the corner of my eye, I saw a figure coming down the hill: a man wearing only a diaper, carrying a long staff. At first, I thought it was a movie shoot Sundance magic, right? But he stomped his staff, demanding to see Mr Redford Coming from the streets myself, my survival instincts kicked in I calmly directed him down the road toward the lodge, saying I’d let Bob know he was coming all while never turning my back Once I was inside with the door locked, I watched him continue down the path and called security. They intercepted him; it turned out he had escaped from a nearby institution.
The best part? Moments later, the phone rang it was Bob himself, checking if I was okay He was genuinely worried, his voice full of concern for an assistant office worker That quiet act of care said everything about the man: beneath the stardom was a profound humanity It was a day I’ll never forget, and a reminder that true leaders protect their people
From Hollywood Star to Indie Guardian
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr in 1936, he rose through theater and TV before exploding onto screens in the late 1960s. Films like All the President’s Men showed his commitment to truth-telling. But disillusioned with Hollywood’s commercial grind, Redford looked elsewhere In 1969, he bought land in Utah’s Provo Canyon, building Sundance Resort as a haven blending nature and creativity This evolved into the Sundance Institute in 1981 a nonprofit nurturing independent filmmakers through labs and mentorship Philosophically, it was Redford’s rebellion: entertainment as risk, diversity, and humanity.
The Sundance Revolution and Beyond
What started as a small, daring initiative grew into the Sundance Film Festival, a launchpad for talents like Quentin Tarantino and Ryan Coogler Robert Redford not only directed Oscar-winning films such as Ordinary People but also championed environmental causes. In the world of independent culture, his influence is immeasurable a reminder that entertainment has the power to challenge, heal, and unite
As we reflect in 2026 the year Sundance bids farewell to Utah Redford’s passing feels like closing a chapter he authored He leaves a richer world of stories, reminding us enduring legacies are built on lifting others.
A GRACEFUL BEGINNING:
"Amy Redford opened Sundance with a welcome that felt both calm and deeply assured. In her remembrance of her father, she embodied the same memorable presence that defined his legacy a moment of poise that surely would have made him proud." Thank you for so many things.
With gratitude, Monica
Editor’sPicks Sundance 2026 “Top 10 for Every Generation”
Indie Entertainment Magazine Editor’s Picks
In an era of noise-driven cinema, Sundance 2026 offered a few films that value clarity, care, and connection. These ten PG and PG-13 selections stood out for their craft, accessibility, and commitment to stories that resonate across generations.
TheLostHorses
TheLostHorsesturnsitsfocustowardalargelyunseencrisis:thetensofthousandsof Americanhorsesthatdisappearintotheslaughterpipelineeachyear.Throughaseries ofintimate,carefullyobservedstories,thefilmexploresthedeepandenduringbond betweenhumansandhorses andthemoralcostwhenthatbondisbroken. Atitscore,theprojectisdesignedtobuildawarenessandsupportfortheSaveAmerica’s ForgottenEquines(SAFE)Act,federallegislationthatwouldpermanentlybanhorse slaughterintheUnitedStatesandprohibittheexportofhorsesforslaughterabroad. Toldthroughshortfilms,publicservicestorytelling,andcommunityengagement,The LostHorsesisasober,compassionatecalltoresponsibility onethatplacesthedignity oftheanimal,andtheconscienceofthenation,squarelyatthecenter.
IntheBlinkofanEye
Spanningpast,present,andfuture,IntheBlinkofanEyeinterweavesthreelives acrossmillennia fromaNeanderthalfamilyfightingtosurvive,toamodern anthropologistuncoveringancienttruths,toaspace-boundcrewfacing ecologicalcollapse.DirectedbyAndrewStanton,thefilmisapoeticmeditation onlove,loss,andhumanity’senduringneedforconnection.Thisisasciencefictionepicthatremembersitsancestors.
NuisanceBear
03 02 01
Forthousandsofyears,polarbearshavemovedacrosstheselandscapesinquiet rhythmwiththeseasons.Today,thatrhythmisdisruptedbytourism, development,andclimatechange.Whentheseworldscollide,thebearisoften labeleda“problem,”a“threat,”ora“nuisance.”Rarelydowestoptoaskhowwe arrivedatthatmoment.Thisfilmisnotaboutvillainsorheroes.Itisabout coexistence.Itisaboutthefragilebalancebetweenhumanprogressandnatural survival.Throughthisbear’sjourney,weareinvitedtowitnesstheunintended consequencesofourchoicesandthemoralcomplexityofmanagingwildlifeina rapidlychangingworld.
Frank&Louis
Servingalifesentencewiththepossibilityofparole,Frank(KingsleyBen-Adir)joinsa prisonprogramthattrainsyoungerinmatestocareforelderlyprisonerssuffering fromAlzheimer’sanddementia.Hopingtheresponsibilitywillstrengthenhiscasefor release,heisassignedtoLouisNelson(RobMorgan),onceafearedfigureof authority,nowslowlylosinghisgriponmemoryandidentity.AsLouisresistshis illnessandthewallsaroundthem,Frankbecomeshiscaretaker,protector,andliving memory.Theirbond forgedinanunforgivingplace evolvesintoaprofound connectionrootedindignity,compassion,andthesharedlongingforredemption. Frank&Louisisanintimateanddeeplyhumaneportraitoftendernesswhereitis leastexpected.
Carousel
SetintheAmericanMidwest,Carouselfollowsasmall-towndoctor(ChrisPine)moving throughgrief,fatherhood,andthequietreckoningthatcomeswhenlifedoesn’tturnout asplanned.Ratherthanpushingtowardspectacle,thefilmchoosesstillness trusting smallmoments,unspokengestures,andordinarydaystocarryitsemotionalweight. Thereisnothingflashyhere,andthatisthepoint.Carouselbelievesinthepowerof simplechoices:showingup,stayingpresent,andallowinghopetoreturnatitsown pace.Inacinematiclandscapecrowdedwithnoise,thefilm’srestraintbecomesits strength areminderthatrenewaloftenarrivesquietly,askingonlythatwenotice. Thisisafilmunafraidofkindness.
TheIncomer
06 05 04
OnaremoteScottishisland,adultsiblingsIslaandSandyhavelivedintotalisolation forthirtyyears,survivingonfolklore,birdhunting,andastrictrulefromtheirlate father:neverallowan"incomer"ashore.Theireccentricworldisupendedwhen Daniel,anawkwardandwell-meaningcouncilofficial,arrivestorelocatethemtothe mainland.Whatfollowsisaheartfeltfunnyfableaboutthefearofchangeandthe unexpectedjoyfoundininlettingnewpeoplein.
CookieQueens
Aheart-forwarddocumentarycelebratingGirlScoutcookieseason,CookieQueens followsfourdeterminedgirlsastheynavigateambition,teamwork,and entrepreneurshipwithinoneofAmerica’smostbelovedtraditions.Setagainstthe surprisingscaleoftheGirlScoutcookiebusiness,thefilmcaptureschildhooddrive, communityspirit,andthequietthrillofsmallvictories.
Warm,funny,andgenuinelyuplifting,CookieQueensisacelebrationofpersistence, friendship,andthesimplecourageittakestoshowupandbelieveyoucan.
ExtraGeography
SetinanEnglishgirls’boardingschool,ExtraGeographyfollowsbestfriendsMinnaand Flicastheynavigatefriendship,school,andfirstloves embarkingonaschoolproject thatplayfullyteststhelimitsofadolescentcleverness.
Manners’stylishdebutturnstheirperfectlysynchronizedworldintoawry,poignant storyofcodependentdevotion,ambition,andthemessylessonsofgrowingup.Funny, charming,andbittersweet,ExtraGeographyremindsusthateventhestrongest friendshipsfacethechallengeoflife’sinevitableupstages.Ratherthanmocking adolescence,ithonorsit portrayinggrowthasrecognitionratherthanreinvention. Thefilmcapturestheawkwardoptimismofyouthwithempathyandwit.
Aanikoobijigan
09 08 07
Meaningancestor/great-grandparent/great-grandchild,Aanikoobijiganisaquietly powerfuldocumentaryaboutbringingIndigenousancestorshomeaftercenturiesof removalanderasure.OjibwefilmmakersAdamandZackKhalilfollowtwelve IndigenousrepatriationspecialistswiththeMichiganAnishinaabekCultural Preservation&RepatriationAlliance(MACPRA)astheynavigatearchives,museum vaults,andlegalsystemsshapedbycolonialthinking.Interweavingpresent-day repatriationworkwithhistoricalreckoning fromThomasJefferson’searly excavationstotheunfinishedpromiseofNAGPRA thefilmcentersdignity, continuity,andresponsibility,askingviewerstoreconsiderwhatliesbehindmuseum wallsandwhohastherighttorest.
TheAIDoc
Partdocumentary,partintimatefamilystory,TheAIDocfollowsDanielRoherashe preparesforfatherhoodwhilenavigatingthedizzyingriseofartificialintelligence. Interviewingmorethan40experts fromOpenAI’sSamAltmantoDeepMind’sDemis Hassabis thefilmcapturesthetensionbetweenapocalypticdreadandhopeful possibilityinarapidlychangingtechnologicalworld.Smart,playful,andsurprisingly human,thedocumentarybalancessharphumorandthoughtfulreflection,askingwhat kindofworldweareleavingforthenextgeneration.Ultimately,TheAIDocislessabout AIitselfthanaboutthecourageittakestofaceuncertainty,embraceresponsibility,and careforthefuturewearecreating.“Adeeplypersonaljourneyintothemost consequentialquestionsofourtime andthefamilywebringalongwithus.”
A Closing Note from the Editor:
These ten films were chosen not for shock value or provocation, but for their ability to stay with us. They reflect a quieter confidence in storytelling one that trusts audiences to lean in rather than brace themselves.
Each selection values craft over controversy, emotion over noise, and meaning over momentary reaction. In a cultural landscape that often mistakes disruption for depth, these films remind us that resonance still matters that stories rooted in empathy, curiosity, and human connection remain powerful without needing to shout.
As Sundance prepares to close its long and storied chapter in Park City, this list feels like a fitting farewell. The snow-lined streets, the late-night conversations, the unexpected discoveries all of it has shaped generations of independent filmmakers and audiences alike. What began here as a haven for risk-taking artists became something larger: a place where intimate stories could find global voices. These films carry that legacy forward They are not about endings, but about continuity the passing of wisdom, care, and imagination from one generation to the next And while the festival's geography may change, the spirit that defined it here endures in the work itself. It is a quiet thank you and an invitation to keep watching closely.
Monica B. Morrison, Editor & Founder - Indie Entertainment Magazine™
WinsomeInternationalFilm Festival
It’sallin thedetails.
The Winsome International Film Festival (WIFF) is an upcoming film festival slated to launch in 2028 in southern Utah. It emerges from a clear vision to create a welcoming, family-friendly space that prioritizes wholesome, uplifting storytelling—particularly in niche genres like animation, westerns, and films centered on animal advocacy, nature and science.
IT’SALL INTHE DETAILS.
Headsup...
SOMETHING NEW COMING... IS creativity
Stay Tuned!
WIFF. 2028
film
WINSOME INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Ke lton DuMont
Amidst all the noise of modern media, genuine encounters cut through. This issue celebrates the artists and moments that remind us what authentic connection looks like in our industry.
Happen Chance
Sundance coverage can be quite extensive. In the month before we begin our prep, we wonder who will catch our attention and in some cases, our hearts. I say "we" because there are a few of us who travel together: writers, directors of photography, fellow journalists. We meet interesting people, make friends, and sometimes see them year after year. But this year was different. In fact, it was the most memorable of all twelve years we've covered the festival. One encounter in particular stood out—with a father and son.
We were at a Park City bar and grill one evening, wrapping up dinner with friends, when a pair approached our table. We'd just been called—our table was ready— and two more seats were added. I offered the young man the seat next to me, placing me between my daughter and my new acquaintance. I didn't recognize this pair at first; the lighting was dim, and they were simply pleasant company. As the night went on, they became genuinely fun to talk to—full of manners and thoughtfulness. It's rare, and I say this with the utmost respect, but it is rare to meet people in this industry who have such light and kindness in them.
By the end of the evening, I thought: I need to find out who I'm sitting next to and tell the world about this pleasant surprise, about who turned out to be the highlight of the festival. Even though I work in this business, I rarely get to watch much programming. I had heard of The Righteous Gemstones, but as soon as Kelton mentioned Danny McBride, my ears perked up. It occurred to me then: the beauty of being in the moment with no agendas. It took me by surprise that there was no angle to this exchange—just genuine connection. Before we all parted, I told Kelton, "We need to write an article about you. You're too cool for the world not to know you."
After the festival, I reached out to Kelton asking if he'd share a bit about himself—this is note I sent him...
Hi Kelton,
Just tapping in to connect. We're still covering and will have boots back on the ground Saturday, with final coverage on Sunday.
It was such a wonderful surprise meeting you and your very funny dad. I'm a softie for family excursions… maybe because that's how we roll, too. Either way, it was a pleasure.
For the article: when you have a moment, could you send along a bit of info about yourself and any photos you feel comfortable sharing? Nothing over the top we actually prefer details that aren't floating around online. Little bits of trivia, personal notes, or anything you'd like the public to know are welcome. We like to gather stories directly, rather than pulling from the internet.
We'd also love to do a follow-up later in the year, an online interview, that includes your dad, if that feels right to you. If so, let's get this rocking. If possible, we'd need the info by Sunday. Hugs and looking forward to sharing your story.
Kind regards, Monica
What Kelton sent back was better than I could have hoped for thoughtful, honest, and deeply personal.
Here, in his own words, is his story:
By: Kelton DuMont
The year I turned twenty-one years old was the last year of my employment at myfirstrealjob—anactoronHBO'sTheRighteousGemstones.
On our last shoot-day of season four, Danny McBride, Walton Goggins, and others took on the impossible task of expressing in minutes the depth of gratitude they held for the cast and crew that had worked together some for as long as seven years. They spoke eloquently. Tearful and understanding smiles were exchanged as Walton spoke of some of the joyful memories that weremadeovertheyears.
"Some of y'all even married each other and had kids – which is crazy!" Danny saidashelaughed.
Itwastrue!Wewerefamily.Oursetwasknownthroughouttheindustryasbeing anenvironmentoflove ararecollectionofindividualswhoseimmensetalents wereonlysurpassedbytheirexceptionalkindness!Iembracedactors,directors, andcrewmemberswhofeltmuchclosertofamilythanfriends.Whatelsewould youcallsomeonewhopowderedyourfaceat4:00ameverywork-dayfromages 14to21!
EveryseasonthatIreturnedtoset,Iwasanewpersonwithanewbody,new hair,newinterests acompletelynewidentity.Now,Ihadtomaintainmy composureasIwassayinggoodbyenotjusttopeopleIconsideredmyfamilybut toajobthatIsawasproofthatactingwaswhatIwasmeanttodo.Iknewno matterwhathappenedduringtheyear,comespringtimeIwouldgettolose myselfandbeon-set,anincredibleprivilegeItookforgranted.
Iwentfrombeingastudenttoastudent-actorbacktobeingastudent.
The Turning Point:
The nail in the coffin was not getting cast in any shows the following semester of school. How could they not want me? I thought I was a star! Well, who needs themanyway?!
I used that stubbornness and petty jealousy—which masks every actor's very real dream of having the opportunity to perform—to motivate me to create opportunities for myself. Anxiety and imposter syndrome loomed but not long enough for me to stumble into a D.I.Y. theatre production of Sam Shepard's TrueWestoppositemywould-bebestfriend,WillParker.
Every evening for seven weeks, we ran lines, compiled prop-lists, and employed the help of friends who all pitched in for the love of the work—a few cold beers—and a genuine admiration for the world of the play. Non-artists may not know it but the bond between artists who share a love for the work, cold beer, and reverence for a good play or anything material for that matter creates a bond that is practically indestructible.
Without any expectation for anything in return, for three nights in early December, wefilledthecommonroomofoneofthehousesoncampusandperformedtheplay.
Ironically, after our run was over, I started to get more work! My nervousness when auditioning from trying to give casting directors ideas of what I thought they would wanttoseewasreplacedwithafullerconfidenceandfaithinthework.
In September, I booked the lead in the movie INHUMAN, a psychological-thriller film as the character of Peter, an asylum patient who struggles to find stable ground amidst trauma and struggles with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), which is the film debut of director and visionary Fernando Lugo. If I didn't understand the importance of devoting myself to the work fully regardless of the result, I don't believe I would've gotten the job. I would've been too caught-up in trying to tell my storythatIwould'vemissedthepointofacting:totellourhumanstory.
Legacy:
As I am writing this, I am looking up at a photograph of Robert Redford standing behind a camera at the first ever Sundance Film Festival a large part of his legacy. It is a portrait of an artist who never compromised his values and vision amidst incredible professional success. I see someone who knew that being an artist was not about doing what is convenient but someone who understood the privilege and potentialtocreateineverymoment.
What is my legacy?
Whether performing in front of a full-house in a New York City theatre, behind a lens in a dimly lit room, a smoky common-room in Southern Vermont, or completely alone on an empty stage, the responsibility of the performer remains to betotellthestoryofwhatitmeanstobehuman
Monica B. Morrison
Editor-in-Chief
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The Lost Horses
By Jason Sander – Indie Entertainment Magazine™
The Moment Before Policy
I’ve never believed change begins with an argument It begins with a feeling that subtle, quiet shift in the body when something outside of us becomes personal. Before policy, before outrage, before we even know what to do, there is a moment of recognition:
“I know this. I feel this. This life matters.”
That’s the space I try to enter as a storyteller not to inform first, but to connect. Because when we connect, we stay And when we stay, we ca b l k h ’ diffi l i h turnin
A reported interview with filmmaker - Ashley Avis
There is a moment before advocacy Before statistics Before policy Before outrage It is the moment something stops being an issue and becomes a relationship When filmmaker Ashley Avis talks about horses, she begins not with legislation or campaigns, but at seven years old, reading Black Beauty, asking her parents for ng lessons, and forming a bond that would pe her life
at Anna Sewell wrote in 1877 to see horses ntient beings, not tools, became Avis’s ritance and responsibility
n Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West was not complete The story was not done,” she told me.
Facing the Hard Truth
Years later, reimagining Black Beauty for a modern audience led Avis far beyond cinema:
- Texas auction yards
- Hidden cameras sewn into shirts
- Horses trembling in feedlots
The result was The Lost Horses, a PSA campaign grounded in a simple storytelling principle: people can face almost anything if they are conn d first.
“Statistics do not move people Individual live
s on one horse at a time the red who was not fast enough, the s ose rider outgrew her, the animal or the last human who called her b
Connection Over Brutality
This is the uncomfortable frontier of advocacy: how do we speak of slaughter, loss, and complicity without shutting hearts down?
Avis leads with relationship, with recognition, with the shared human experience of attachment and loss Music becomes a bridge: she personally wrote to Billie Eilish to license “What Was I Made For”? as the campaign’s anthem. The song does not instruct viewers what to think; it invites them to feel
From Witness to Participant
Feeling is where change begins. It shows up most clearly in the campaign’s work with children: in i d by Wild Horse Annie, kids around the world se handwritten letters into Congressional offices staffers who might skim policy briefs pause whe they see a child’s handwriting.
“On hard days, those letters remind me why I keep g Ashley Avis
This is not just a story about horses It is about staying present with what hurts, refusing numbness, and allowing art, story, and relationship to move us from witness to participant. Before we can advocate, we must feel Before we can change systems, we must allow ourselves to be changed
Photo: A. L'Archevêque
Where Sundance Began
By: Monica B Morrison - Jan 21, 2026
TheMountainThatSpoketo Us.
In the Provo Canyon, hiding in the Wasatch Range of Utah, lies the Sundance Mountain Resort. A stunning and visual vocal mountain that seems to say something.
In the late 1960's Robert Redford purchased the land, he wasn’t chasing a vision of premieres, flashbulbs, or cultural capital. He was doing something far more radical, protecting a place. At a time when ski resorts were racing toward scale and spectacle, Redford chose preservation and fewer buildings He chose quiet slopes and a refusal to let the mountain be swallowed by commerce.
Thechoicemattered.
The energy that would eventually define Sundance: independence, integrity, and respect for the work, was born not in a screening room, but in the soil. The mountain came first. The ideas followed.
In those early years, the people drawn to Sundance weren’t chasing trends. They were craftsmen. Thinkers. Story people. The kind who believed cinema was a conversation, not a commodity. Old-school innovators who came of age before branding overtook storytelling directors, writers, and producers who valued collaboration over clout.
It was a community shaped by intention. No velvet ropes. No sense of hierarchy. Just artists talking shop, arguing over scenes, walking trails, sharing meals. The work mattered more than the spotlight.
That spirit attracted a certain kind of mind. People like Sydney Pollack and his contemporaries filmmakers who understood that longevity came from discipline, not noise. They weren’t there to be seen. They were there to make something that lasted.
As the Sundance Institute took shape and the festival evolved from its origins in the Utah Provo canyon. Its new home in Park City grew into a global force. The Park City move brought unprecedented visibility and scale, yet some longtime observers noted shifts in intimacy, energy, and feel compared to those quieter, more grounded early years.
Now, as it bids farewell to Park City to relocate to Boulder, Colorado, next year, Sundance enters a new chapter, one that will test how its founding promise adapts to fresh landscapes and evolving realities.
We will never forget that Sundance began with a promise: to the land, the work, and the brave storytellers. Robert Redford held that intention close, and we hold high hopes it will endure through every change.
S u n d a n c e
e s
Sundance
Mountain Resort, founded by Robert Redford, is a rustic, environmentally focused mountain retreat in Utah's Provo Canyon, offering skiing, hiking, and art studios. Renowned for its deep commitment to nature preservation and the arts, it served as the birthplace of the Sundance Institute, born from intimate workshops for independent filmmakers. The property served as the original inspiration for the Sundance Film Festival, which grew out of those early creative gatherings before evolving into its own global force in Park City, Utah.
Photo: A. L'Archevêque
