This event is part of “The Sundance Institute Founder Series: Honoring Robert Redford,” a series of live, online events on Sundance Collab in memory of Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute.

Celebrated filmmaker David Lowery directed Robert Redford in two of the late icon’s final roles: Pete’s Dragon in 2016 and The Old Man and the Gun in 2018. In this very special online conversation, Lowery will join Sundance Collab to discuss the formidable task of directing one of the great legends of American cinema. 

Lowery has a long and significant history with the Sundance Institute and Film Festival. His 2011 short Pioneer screened at the Sundance Film Festival, and his breakout debut Ain’t Them Bodies Saints participated in the Sundance Institute’s Screenwriters Lab and premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, as did his 2017 feature A Ghost Story. 

Lowery has called it “the privilege of a lifetime" to direct Redford in two of his final on-screen performances. In this conversation, Lowery will share insights and memories from his time at the Screenwriters Lab, the Sundance Film Festival, and on the set of his two Redford-starring films. Lowery will discuss how he crafted The Old Man and the Gun as a vehicle for Redford to “lean into his legacy” in his final leading role. He will also discuss casting Redford in a supporting role in Pete’s Dragon, a big-budget family film he co-wrote and directed for Disney. The conversation will include clips from the films and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their production. 

This event will end with a live audience Q&A, during which attendees will have the chance to ask Lowery questions about his work with Redford and lessons learned. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the countless filmmakers whose work was supported by Robert Redford, the late founder of the Sundance Institute.

If you would benefit from an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please complete this form, contact us at (435) 776-7790, or email us at accessibility@sundance.org to discuss your specific requests. Every effort will be made to accommodate advance requests; however, requests made within 5 days of the event may not be guaranteed.