Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1981 to be an independent film festival, although critics would now say that it has been invaded by Hollywood celebrities.
There are sixteen films presented in each of the categories of competition. For the first time, an award will be given out to the best foreign documentary. There will be twelve competing for this award.
Sundance has had successful films presented such as Reservoir Dogs, The Blair Witch Project, Thirteen, The Full Monty and Transpotting.
The festivities opened up this year with a film Happy Endings, featuring Lisa Kudrow.