PARK CITY, Utah — The Sundance Institute has officially announced the lineup for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, introducing an exciting array of events under the annual Beyond Film program. Scheduled to take place from January 23 to January 30, 2026, this initiative promises to engage audiences with a spectrum of conversations and interactive experiences featuring renowned personalities from various artistic fields. Notable figures such as Olivia Wilde, Richard Linklater, Billie Jean King, John Turturro, Salman Rushdie, Elijah Wood, and James Wan are set to participate, making this year’s events particularly noteworthy. In a move to foster deeper connections among creators, educators, and industry leaders, the Sundance Institute will host its inaugural Story Forum: Exploring Art and Innovation on January 26, 2026. Sponsored by Adobe, this first-time event aims to explore cutting-edge ideas and technologies in storytelling, reflecting the Festival's commitment to innovation in the arts. The Festival will take place in person in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 22 to February 1, with an additional at-home program accessible online from January 29 to February 1, allowing audiences across the nation to partake in the experience. Single film tickets for both in-person and online screenings will go on sale on January 14 at 10 a.m. MT. Attendees can find more information and purchase tickets through the Sundance Film Festival website. This year’s Festival is particularly significant as it pays tribute to Robert Redford, the visionary founder whose impact has shaped the landscape of independent cinema. The Park City Legacy program, scheduled for the latter half of the Festival, will honor this legacy through archival screenings of iconic films, artist discussions with notable alumni, and special community events that celebrate the Festival's rich history and its intertwined relationship with Utah. The Beyond Film program aims to provide a free community experience for Festival attendees, featuring artist discussions, filmmaker talks, and interactive sessions that encourage audience engagement. This year’s lineup includes Cinema Café, presented by Audible, and The Big Conversation, which focuses on themes ranging from technology to human connection. Among the prominent speakers will be Ava DuVernay, Salman Rushdie, and Antoine Fuqua, who will share insights on their respective works and the broader implications of storytelling in contemporary culture. Specifically, the Power of Story: On Legacy, scheduled for January 27, will bring together influential voices to discuss the concept of legacy in storytelling. Moderated by Jia Tolentino, a staff writer for The New Yorker, this discussion will feature artists like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Alex Gibney, John Turturro, and Olivia Wilde. Participants will delve into the ways legacy is defined, interpreted, and how stories can transcend their creators, creating lasting impacts on audiences. Richard Linklater, a long-time Sundance collaborator, will host a live commentary on his film Nouvelle Vague, providing attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at both his work and the broader independent filmmaking landscape. This event is part of a series of talks that seek to deepen public engagement with the art of storytelling and cinema culture at large. The culminating event, Everyone Has a Story: Four Decades of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, will take place on January 30. This free gathering is intended for the public and will celebrate the Festival's 40-year history through shared memories, stories, and archival treasures. The event is designed to foster a sense of community and gratitude toward the local Utah audience that has supported the Festival over the years. Kim Yutani, the Director of Programming, expressed excitement about this year's Beyond Film programming, stating, "We look forward to bringing bold and inspiring voices together to explore themes in this year’s new films, as well as celebrating our shared history with Utah." Ania Trzebiatowska, the Beyond Film Program Curator, emphasized the program's importance in expanding perspectives and honoring the creative spirit that defines the Festival. All Beyond Film events are free to the public, with the exception of the Power of Story session, which requires a ticket for entry. For attendees planning to participate in Cinema Café and The Big Conversation events, it is advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early due to limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Festival IDs must be presented for entry, accessible via the Festival’s mobile application. The Story Forum will also offer a free online program on January 29 and 30, allowing broader accessibility to discussions on art and innovation. With its vibrant lineup and commitment to fostering dialogue and artistic exploration, the 2026 Sundance Film Festival is poised to be a landmark event, celebrating creativity and community in the heart of Utah.