Robert Redford - A Legendary Actor, Filmmaker and Humanitarian

“Truth” directed by James Vanderbilt

SUNDANCE - This week, we honor Robert Redford, a legendary actor, filmmaker, and passionate humanitarian whose extraordinary contributions left an indelible mark on cinema and society. Redford, whose career spanned over five decades, inspired generations through his art and activism. He was 89.

Redford was at some point the world's biggest film star - still nearly nobody saw his most relevant political film of modern times, “TRUTH”, because corporate America bowed down to the Bush administration in 2004 - in a time similar to today, where the popular TV host Jimmy Kimmel has been taken off ABC by Disney in order to please the US President and gain economic advantages. Even the Republican Ted Cruz spoke of “mafia-methods” by FCC commissioner Brendan Carr, who is in charge for TV licenses and permitting mergers after he told Disney, this could be resolved “the easy way or the hard way”, resulting in the firing of Jimmy Kimmel with his satirical late night show on ABC.

The Truth tells the true story behind the 2004 “Rathergate” scandal, when CBS aired a controversial 60 Minutes segment questioning then-President George W. Bush’s military service during the Vietnam War. The report was produced by Mary Mapes (played by Cate Blanchett) and anchored by Dan Rather (played by Robert Redford). The segment focused on alleged documents suggesting Bush received preferential treatment to avoid combat duty in the Texas Air National Guard and failed to meet service obligations. The film was portraying Mapes and Rather as victims of political retaliation and media scapegoating. It questions how truth can be drowned out by optics, timing, and the power of political machinery. The events took place in the final months of the 2004 U.S. presidential election, when George W. Bush was running for re-election. The fallout from the story led to Dan Rather’s resignation from CBS News and effectively ended Mary Mapes’ career in mainstream journalism.

Redford has starred in and produced several politically charged films, often focusing on journalism, environmentalism, civil liberties, or government power. Here’s a breakdown of Robert Redford’s most important political movies and his real-life political activism/achievements - he’s one of the few actors whose film work and personal advocacy align deeply:

1.⁠ ⁠All the President’s Men (1976)

  • Role: Bob Woodward (Washington Post journalist)

  • Topic: Watergate scandal and investigative journalism

  • Why it matters: Arguably the most important political film of his career. Helped shape public understanding of media’s role in holding power accountable.

2.⁠ ⁠The Candidate (1972)

  • Role: Bill McKay, an idealistic lawyer running for Senate

  • Topic: Campaign manipulation, political marketing

  • Why it matters: Exposes how political idealism is corrupted by media spin and party machines. Timeless critique of American elections.

3.⁠ ⁠Three Days of the Condor (1975)

  • Role: Joe Turner, a CIA analyst on the run

  • Topic: Government surveillance and assassination

  • Why it matters: A post-Watergate paranoid thriller that criticizes unchecked intelligence power. Still relevant in the age of NSA leaks.

4.⁠ ⁠Lions for Lambs (2007)

  • Role: College professor

  • Topic: War on Terror, media complicity, political apathy

  • Why it matters: Attempts to spark dialogue about American foreign policy post-9/11 and the moral cost of disengagement.

5.⁠ ⁠Truth (2015)

  • Role: Dan Rather

  • Topic: Media ethics, George W. Bush’s military record

  • Why it matters: Re-visits a real media scandal that challenged press freedom and political accountability during an election year.

Redford isn’t just political on-screen - he has a long track record of real-world activism, especially around environmental protection, civil liberties, and media integrity.

1.⁠ ⁠Environmental Activism

  • Founder of the Sundance Institute (1981): Promotes independent, often political cinema.

  • Fought against fossil fuel development: Active in campaigns against the Keystone XL pipeline and Arctic drilling.

  • Worked with NRDC: Long-time board member and spokesperson for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

  • Won the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016): For his environmental advocacy and artistic contributions.

2.⁠ ⁠Political Advocacy

  • Supporter of progressive causes: Consistent voice on climate, public lands, campaign finance reform, and press freedom.

  • Public critic of Trump-era policies: Especially those affecting the environment and free press.

  • Media appearances and op-eds: Has written and spoken out on democracy, authoritarianism, and the threat of disinformation.

3.⁠ ⁠Awards and Recognition

  • Honorary Oscar (2002) for founding Sundance and nurturing independent film

  • Recognized by environmental groups like the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society


Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford captivated audiences with his versatile performances. His roles in The Natural (1984) as a gifted baseball player and Out of Africa (1985) as a big-game hunter further showcased his charismatic screen presence and storytelling depth. Redford’s commitment to truth in storytelling extended beyond acting to his work as a director, where he crafted narratives that challenged societal norms. His directorial debut, Ordinary People (1980), a poignant exploration of psychological struggles, redefined American cinema with its introspective approach, earning him the Oscar for Best Director. Similarly, Quiz Show (1994) delved into the 1950s television quiz scandals, exposing media manipulation and raising timeless questions about integrity and the commodification of truth. In Lions for Lambs (2007), where he also starred alongside Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep, Redford wove a political drama critiquing the War on Terror, highlighting the moral weight of political decisions through the interplay of a professor, a senator, and a journalist.

At the Cinema for Peace, we recall a passionate discussion with Redford, our chairman Jaka Bizilj and committee member Lambert Monet, descendant of the impressionist Claude Monet, about producing a film on Monsanto’s chemical herbicide Roundup - at an art exhibition in Berlin with Redford and his wife, Sibylle Szaggars in Monet's gallery. The film Truth earned him a Cinema for Peace nomination for the portrayal of journalistic integrity.

Redford’s vision for change extended to fostering new voices in cinema through the Sundance Institute, founded in 1981. The Sundance Film Festival became a global platform for independent filmmakers, launching talents like Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs) while promoting social awareness through art. This commitment to creative impact seamlessly aligned with his humanitarian efforts, particularly in environmental advocacy. As a longtime trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Redford spearheaded the Stop the Pebble Mine campaign, protecting Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed from destructive mining. In 2006, he co-founded the Redford Center with his late son James, using impact filmmaking to foster climate solutions and environmental justice.

As we reflect on Robert Redford’s remarkable legacy, we celebrate a life devoted to art, truth, and positive impact. His work continues to inspire generations to pursue their passions and stand for what is right.

“All the President's Men” directed by Alan J. Pakula

“The Candidate” directed by Michael Ritchie

“Three Days of the Condor” directed by Sydney Pollack

“Lions for Lambs” directed by Robert Redford

“Ordinary People” directed by Robert Redford

“The Quiz Show” directed by Robert Redford

Jaka Bizilj