Sundance London

THE iconic film festival pioneered by actor-turned-director Robert Redford is packing up and making it’s way across the pond in 2012.

The non-profit Sundance institute, AEG Europe and owner of the O2 entertainment complex agreed to collaborate on a spin-off of the acclaimed arts festival earlier this year.

Annually hosted in Park City, Utah since the 1980s, the four-day event will be held at London’s O2 next spring. Not quite as whimsical as the snowy mountains of Utah, but only time will tell how the venue will fare in the upcoming event.

Sundance London will not only be showcasing the best of independent cinema, but will include discussions, panels, live music and many other cultural programmes. Screenings will incorporate some British films, but predominately present independent American cinema. 

Redford said of the event, “It is our mutual goal to bring to the UK the very best in current American independent cinema, to introduce the artists responsible for it, and in essence to help build a picture of our country that is broadly reflective of the diversity of voices not always seen in our cultural exports.”

Robert Redford

The opening night of the festival will see a live ‘in conversation’ event held between Redford and American musician/producer T Bone Burnett, moderated by novelist, Nick Hornby. Clips from films they have worked on over the years will be shown, along with a discussion of their favourite musical film moments. 

Sundance London will run from April 26 to 29 .The full programme of events will be announced at the end of January 2012 and with such exclusive events planned the festival is expected to sell out before it begins in April.

Film buffs and enthusiasts can buy tickets at www.sundance-London.com