How Fantasia Sparked Robert Redford’s Lifelong Love for Cinema

Some actors become household names, a few reach legendary status, but Robert Redford stood in a league of his own. His passing in 2025 at age 89 marked the end of an era for Hollywood. Redford’s influence stretched far beyond his roles on screen; he was a driving force behind the camera and a champion for independent filmmakers, most notably through the Sundance Film Festival. His legacy is woven into the fabric of American film, and his absence is deeply felt.

Redford’s journey in film was shaped by many pivotal moments, both as an actor and a director. His breakout performance in Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid catapulted him to fame, while Ordinary People proved his talent behind the lens. The rise of Sundance as a haven for indie cinema was fueled by films like Steven Soderbergh’s sex, lies & videotape. Yet, long before these milestones, Redford’s passion for movies was ignited by a single, unforgettable experience in his childhood.

First Steps Into the World of Movies

During an interview, Redford was asked if he could recall the first film he ever watched in a theater. He didn’t hesitate:

I do! It was Fantasia, and I remember being blown away by it

. Released at a crucial moment for Disney, Fantasia was unlike anything else—a collection of animated shorts set to classical music, with the iconic ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ featuring Mickey Mouse as a hapless magician. The film was designed to breathe new life into Disney’s mascot, whose popularity had faded since his heyday. Without Fantasia’s success, Mickey Mouse might not have become the enduring symbol he is today.

Redford was just four when Fantasia premiered. While he didn’t specify exactly when he saw it, it’s clear the experience left a lasting impression. The world of moviegoing was different then—an event that offered more than just a feature film. It was a full cultural outing, something Redford would later try to recapture in his own work.

Nostalgia and the Birth of Sundance Cinemas

Reflecting on those early days, Redford spoke with fondness about the moviegoing experience of his youth:

It used to be you went and had a whole cultural experience, cartoons, shorts, newsreels and no trailers

. This sense of nostalgia inspired him to create Sundance Cinemas in 2007. His vision was to bring back the communal spirit of classic theaters—a place where people could gather, enjoy a variety of films, and connect over a shared love of cinema.

He imagined a space that was more than just a theater:

What if we brought that back with [a] Sundance product? We could show a variety of films in a center with a bar, a restaurant and a film library? Where the whole community could gather for a community experience? They’ve been very successful

. Redford’s dream was realized, and Sundance Cinemas became a hub for film lovers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Fantasia’s Enduring Influence

Fantasia’s impact on Redford was profound. The film’s blend of music and animation, its ambition and creativity, all resonated with the young boy who would one day become a giant in the industry. It’s no surprise that such a unique movie would inspire someone destined to leave his own mark on the world of film.