Robert Redford left us at 89. His death – which would have occurred in his sleep and was confirmed to the New York Times – marks the end of an era, not only for Hollywood but also for those who have seen a symbol of civil commitment in him. A beloved actor, award -winning director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Redford has been able to combine his artistic career with a constant battle in defense of the environment. Unforgettable face of films such as The staggeon, The three days of the Condor And All the men of the PresidentRedford was for decades the symbol of a certain way of making cinema: elegant, critical, committed.
From worldwide success to independent cinema
Considered one of the most recognizable faces of the 70s Hollywood, Redford has never limited himself to the spotlight. In 1981 he founded the Sundance Institute, which later became a reference point for international independent cinema. The festival was not only a showcase for new talents, but also a space to promote uncomfortable stories and social issues often overlooked by the traditional industry. For him, cinema was a means of questioning society, not just to entertain it.
An activist first of all
Long before environmentalism became a trend, Redford was already at the forefront. He supported campaigns against the construction of electric power plants in Utah (where he purchased Terre to preserve them from development), defended the natural reserves and collaborated with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Over the years he has used his fame to amplify uncomfortable messages, convinced that popularity made sense only if he spent for collective causes. With the Redford Center, founded together with his son James, he continued to promote narration as an instrument of awareness on climate change.
The voice to the UN
His commitment reached a turning point during the High Level Event on Climate Change at the UN. On that occasion, between the general secretary Ban Ki-Moon and other world authorities, Redford pronounced a famous speech:
I am an actor for business but also an activist of nature. I ask you, as an interested citizen, to do something. Your mission is simple but, at the same time, full of pitfalls: saving the world before it’s too late. No nation can do it alone. There is a need for the involvement of all parties since this is the only planet at our disposal and, probably, this is our last chance to save it.
A legacy that goes beyond cinema
A phrase that Redford loved to repeat, as when he said, fully synthesizing the essence of his commitment: “This is the only planet we have. What could be more important than protecting it?“. His voice has contributed to giving strength to a battle that today is more urgent than ever. His bequest is not limited to films that have entered the history or premium premiums: it is the testimony of an artist who has chosen to become an activist, transforming the privilege of celebrity into responsibility towards the future.
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