By Keri Putnam

I had the privilege of working with Robert Redford and the wonderful team at Sundance Institute from 2010-2021, including Michelle Satter who has brilliantly led Sundance’s artist programs from the beginning, the Festival team, led by John Cooper during most of my tenure, the staff and volunteers that dedicated their professional lives to advancing Sundance, and the Board and community of artists and supporters who make the work possible. My heart goes out to all of them, of course especially to Amy Redford, who sits on the Sundance Institute board, and the entire Redford family. I hold dear my many personal memories of Bob and my time at the Institute.

I have also been reflecting on the larger impact of Robert Redford and Sundance, and the enormous impression he left on our industry. Though challenging to encapsulate, here is my attempt to put pen to paper on what Bob meant to all of us.