The Grand Hyatt at Deer Valley served as a venue for a bittersweet gala and fundraiser Friday night. The “Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford” marked the last time the independent film nonprofit would host such an event in Park City, and that sentiment doubled due to the passing of its founder, Robert Redford, in September. In addition to Sundance alumni’s accolades, tributes and other memories, the evening also commemorated some of those who have supported Redford’s vision of working side by side with upcoming and established artists in the nonprofit’s filmmaking labs. The celebration notably debuted the Robert Redford Luminary Award, which was presented to Hungarian filmmaker Gyula Gazdag and American filmmaker and actor Ed Harris, who have served as lab mentors for these storytellers. American filmmaker and actor Ed Harris and Hungarian filmmaker Gyula Gazdag received the inaugural Robert Redford Luminary Award, during The Sundance Film Festival Gala, “Celebrating Sundance Institute: A Tribute to Founder Robert Redford,” Friday at The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. The award which recognizes those who use their resources, knowledge, and influence to advance independent storytelling and create opportunities for emerging filmmakers. Credit: Photo courtesy of Donyale West/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival The award recognizes those who use their resources, knowledge, and influence to advance independent storytelling and create opportunities for emerging filmmakers. “It means the world, and I’m very honored they want to give me this Luminary Award,” Harris said to the press during a pre-dinner interview. “One of the reasons I’ve been at the labs for 20 years, trying to help Bob in his vision of supporting independent filmmakers and storytellers.” Gazdag’s honor included the joy of seeing those he has mentored become award-winning filmmakers. “It’s so good to see the alumni coming from the labs who are here, right now, tonight, like Chloé Zhao, Taika Waititi,” he said. “It’s just such a wonderful feeling to see them, and then all of a sudden, (realize) they are not those children any more. They grew up and they are flying.” Filmmaker Chloé Zhao speaks to the press before the Sundance Institute’s annual gala fundraiser Friday at the The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. Zhao is this year’s recipient of the institute’s Trailblazer Award, which recognizes artists for their unwavering dedication and notable contributions to independent cinema. Credit: Photo courtesy of Donyale West/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival Zhao herself was last night’s recipient of the Trailblazer Award, which recognizes artists for their dedication and contributions to independent cinema, and said the Sundance Institute has become her family. “Our industry could be quite lonely. You go from jobs to jobs to jobs,” she said. “Coming from this community means that every corner you turn you will see a familiar face, and you share memories of times together in the mountains. Because we have that little wink to each other, you’re never quite completely on your own.” In addition to Zhao, fellow filmmakers Nia DaCosta and Geeta Gandbhir were honored with Vanguard Awards. Gandbhir was recognized for nonfiction, while DaCosta’s award noted her work in fiction storytelling. “It’s an honor because one of the things Sundance is best at is trusting artists and building community,” Gandbhir said. “I feel (that) for those of us who begin here or have a film begin here or come through the labs, it doesn’t just end there. (The institute) is a place where people come back to and grow as artists. I think that’s really the kind of support artists need, particularly in this difficult time.” Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir takes time to pose for photos before the Sundance Institute’s annual gala and fundraiser at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. The institute honored Gandbhir with the Vanguard Award for Nonfiction, which recognizes artists who are known for storytelling. Credit: Photo courtesy of the Sundance Institute That difficult time Gandbhir mentioned is the passing of Redford, DaCosta said. “I wish he were here to see this, especially the last year in Park City,” she said. “He was a remarkable man. He built something really special and important. I am such a direct benefactor of him and his mind and what he built here. It’s a place where you become family, not just with the Sundance Institute and the festival, but also with the people you meet here.” Redford’s daughter Amy, who sits on the Sundance Institute’s board of trusties, said she has been moved by the “outpouring of love” she and her family has received, and that the gala is a celebration about everything her father did as well as what is to come. “Of course I have mixed emotions, but I’m also really excited,” she said. “This organization has always been artist focused. It means we stand behind them. We put wind in their wings. As long as artists want to tell stories, this organization will continue. We are still around because we’ve been agile in what we do for this amount of time. And I think we’ll continue to be agile.” Filmmaker Nia DaCosta was honored with the Vanguard Award in Fiction during the Sundance Institute’s annual gala and fundraiser Friday at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. The award recognizes her work in fiction storytelling. Credit: Photo courtesy of the Sundance Institute Actor, filmmaker and author Ethan Hawke, who was one of last night’s attendees, along with notables Ava DuVernay, Chris Pine, Woody Harrelson, Ryan Coogler, Tessa Thompson, Rob Lowe, David Lowery and Boots Riley, said he’s had the best nights of his life at the Sundance Film Festival. “I think I was first at the festival in ’91 or ’92, maybe,” he said. “The first movie I had here was in ’94, and I’ve probably been here 12 times since then. It’s so full of memories for me.” Hawke also said others need to step up to try and fill the voice left by Robert Redford’s death. Ethan Hawke Credit: Photo courtesy of the Sundance Instittue “The rest of us have to pick up the ball,” he said. “We had, in him, somebody who really is an example of doing the good you have the power to do. He was somebody to whom a lot was given and who gave a lot back.” Hawke said leadership was among Redford’s strengths.  “(He had this) ability to bring others along with him and empower others and cultivate voices and care about other people and care about not just his great work, but the work in our whole community,” he said. “That’s the kind of leadership that we’re lacking in America right now — somebody who carries himself with aspirations for integrity, dignity, honesty, compassion — all those easy words to say and hard words to live (by). He was the North Star for a lot of us.”  The post Sundance honors founder Robert Redford during last gala in Park City appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less