The final gathering of the iconic Sundance Film Festival, which took place at the Marquis on February 3, celebrated the theme "Everyone Has a Story"—a powerful phrase coined by the late Robert Redford shortly before his passing. This gathering marked the conclusion of a 43-year legacy in Park City, Utah, and was filled with heartfelt anecdotes from filmmakers, festival alumni, and industry veterans, reflecting on the profound impact the festival has had on independent cinema and storytelling. Amy Redford, daughter of the legendary actor and director Robert Redford, delivered a poignant recollection about her father's childhood. During her speech, she shared a vivid memory of her father at six years old, saved from a venomous coral snake by a Mexican immigrant hired by her great-grandfather. "Without that man, there is no dad. Without that man, there is no Sundance Resort or the institute or any of the films he made that we all love," she said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of immigrant communities in shaping America. This story was just one of many shared during the event, which aimed to encapsulate the rich tapestry of narratives that have emerged from Sundance over the decades. Festival Director Eugene Hernandez underscored the significance of Redford's phrase, stating, "It’s been such a grounding and clarifying statement. We knew this would be the framing for this year’s festival." Hernandez reflected on the countless stories, from first screenings to moments of elation and sadness, that have filled the festival's history. Curator John Nein organized a diverse group of speakers, including notable figures such as Michelle Satter, Richard Linklater, Celine Song, and Jared and Jerusha Hess, among others. Each shared their unique experiences, highlighting the festival's role in their artistic journeys. For instance, the Hesses recounted the moment they learned their film "Napoleon Dynamite" was accepted into the 2004 festival. Jared recalled the anxiety he felt when a rough cut of the film was submitted without his knowledge, saying, "My career is over," until they received the life-changing call that their film was accepted. Filmmaker Celine Song, whose debut feature "Past Lives" premiered at Sundance in 2023, spoke about her transformative experience at the festival. "I consider my Sundance Film Festival as my birthplace as a filmmaker," she remarked. Her journey was fraught with challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but she ultimately found success and validation through the festival's platform. Another highlight of the gathering was producer Effie T. Brown's recollection of the late film critic Roger Ebert's support for filmmaker Justin Lin during a pivotal moment in 2002. Brown recounted how Ebert stood up for Lin when his film "Better Luck Tomorrow" faced criticism for its portrayal of Asian Americans. "This is how movies and stories can change the world," she said, reflecting on the emotional resonance of films that represent diverse voices. Sean P. Means, editor of the Salt Lake Tribune, shared a humorous story about his interview with Jackie Chan during the 1996 festival. He described Chan's animated storytelling, which humorously turned into an imaginary fight scene, showcasing the lighter side of the festival's history. The event culminated in a celebration of the festival's legacy, with speakers reflecting on how Sundance has fostered a community of storytellers and artists. Satter emphasized the institute's commitment to continue nurturing independent voices even as the festival prepares to move to Boulder, Colorado, next year. "Our labs are going to stay in Utah... which means the world to me," she said, assuring attendees that the spirit of Sundance will endure. As the gathering drew to a close, the essence of Sundance was palpable—an appreciation for the stories that have shaped not just the festival, but the broader cultural landscape. The heartfelt exchanges and shared memories encapsulated the festival's mission: to amplify diverse voices and inspire change through cinema. With its move to a new location on the horizon, the legacy of Sundance and its dedication to storytelling will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the hearts of filmmakers and audiences alike.