The duo will launch the new film and arts festival that will debut in April 2012 in the UK, according to THR.
“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 help build a picture of our country that is broadly reflective of the diversity of voices not always seen in our cultural exports,” says Redford.
He and 12-time Grammy Award winner Burnett will be kicking the event off with “An Evening With” event about the relationship between film and music, which will be moderated by author and screenwriter Nick Hornby.
The Sundance London festival is scheduled to kick off on 26th April, 2012 and will stage its inaugural event at the city’s O2 arena.
The festival is a partnership between Redford, Sundance Institute and AEG Europe, who own the venue.
Senior executive director of AEG Europe, Alex Hill, said Sundance London is a natural extension for the events at The O2 since it opened in 2007. He said: “We look forward to extending a warm welcome to the best of the film industry in 2012.”
Redford also commented that, “We are excited to partner with AEG Europe to bring a particular slice of American culture to life in the inspired setting of The O2, and in this city of such rich cultural history.”
The annual Sundance Film Festival has become the largest showcase for indie films in the US since its launch in 1978. Sundance Institute executive director Keri Putnam said the organization looks forward to bringing “the most exciting American films from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival” to London.
The festival will be a four day event running from 26th - 29th April and will feature the UK premieres of films fresh from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.
It will also include screenings of titles from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, live music performances, panels and other cultural programming.
