The Indian Lake Theater is has announced a Robert Redford Film Festival taking place Thursday, January 29 through Sunday, February 1, 2026, celebrating the career of one of America’s most enduring and influential actors, directors, and storytellers.
The festival will feature nine iconic films spanning Redford’s remarkable body of work.
Born in 1936, Robert Redford rose to prominence in the 1960s and quickly became one of the most recognizable and respected figures in American cinema.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Redford distinguished himself not only as a leading man but also as a director, producer, and advocate for independent film and environmental storytelling.
In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, forever changing the landscape of independent cinema and amplifying new voices in filmmaking.
Robert Redford in New York
Redford had a long association with New York, starting his career on Broadway in the late 50s and living in New York City to filming several film across the state, Redford had a lifelong presence.
Redford made his Broadway debut in Tall Story (1959) and starred in Barefoot in the Park (1963). He was a guest-star on New York based television shows like Naked City, The Twilight Zone, and Route 66.
The Way We Were (1973) was filmed primarily in New York State, including at Schenectady‘s Union College, in Ballston Spa and in Central Park in New York City.
Redford also filmed the spy thriller Three Days of the Condor (1975) in New York City.
The Natural (1983) was filmed in Buffalo and Western New York and parts of The Horse Whisperer (1998) in Saratoga and Washington Counties.
Indian Lake’s Redford Festival
The Indian Lake Theater’s film lineup for this festival — from Out of Africa and The Way We Were to The Sting and Jeremiah Johnson — reflects the breadth of Redford’s work.
“These films showcase his range as a leading actor, his willingness to explore complex characters and themes, and the enduring resonance of his storytelling,” organizers say.
“Whether portraying a rugged frontiersman, a political candidate, a con man, or a romantic lead, Redford’s performances helped define generations of American film and left a legacy of artistry that continues to inspire audiences and creators alike.”
The festival invites residents and visitors to enjoy classic cinema while spending time in downtown Indian Lake — dining at local restaurants, shopping at small businesses, and embracing the vibrant Adirondack community that makes the region special year-round.
Festival Schedule
Thursday, January 29 at 7 PM: Out of Africa
Friday, January 30 at 7 PM: Spy Game
Saturday, January 31:
11 AM: The Candidate
1:30 PM: The Sting
4 PM: Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here
7 PM: Jeremiah Johnson
Sunday, February 1:
1:30 PM: The Great Waldo Pepper
4 PM: The Way We Were
7 PM: Downhill Racer
Tickets and festival details, including showtimes and special passes, are available on the Indian Lake Theater website at indianlaketheater.org.
Single adult tickets for patrons 18 and over are $8, while a festival pass, with access to all 9 films, is $40.
Admission for Children 17 and under is free, as part of the Indian Lake Theater’s commitment to providing affordable access to arts programming. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and explore downtown Indian Lake’s restaurants, shops, and accommodations as part of their festival experience.
The festival is made possible through the sponsorship of Westport Interactive Media.
The mission of the Indian Lake Theater is to offer a gathering space that entertains, engages and enriches the economic and cultural life of the Central Adirondacks. Opened in 1937, the Theater became a non-profit in 2008 and provides affordable movies and events year-round.
Film lovers should also attend the free Albany Film Festival in March. Submissions are still be accepted for the Festival’s short film contest.
Photos: 52 Front Street in Ballston Spa in The Way We Were in 1973 and in 2022.
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