Robert Redford, John Cooper and Alex Hill open Sundance London at London’s o2 Arena

Sundance Film Festival makes a triumphant return to London today at the o2 Arena in the heart of London and The Fan Carpet had the pleasure of being in the presence of greatness as cinematic legend Robert Redford opened the festival with Festival Director John Cooper and AEG's Alex Hill.

This will be the second year in London for Sundance, and when asked about the continued long term commitment in bringing Sundance to the Capital, Redford who was on top form replied "Well I think it depends, I think it's hard to clear the length of a commitment until you let it play out and see how it goes, I think our commitment to be back here is the result of us liking it and going well for Londoners, and so that's going to be the same this year, I think it just depends on how things roll out."

John Cooper added "I think you just do things cause they feel right, and it felt right last year and that's why we're back, in terms of long term commitment, we actually have a long history of showing British films at Sundance; I really love the back and forth.

The British film industry and us in America have a very good relationship, and it has been for many years."

Alex Hill interjected "And of course we'd welcome you back!" and Redford responded playfully "You heard it here first!"

Asked about the state of Independent cinema, Redford responded "In terms of the state of the art, it's difficult, it's always been difficult, the state of the film industry isn't particularly healthy.

Independent film has always had to struggle to find its place in the Universe, it's always had to struggle to find a place in the exhibition arena because the mainstream in the beginning would not create spaces for Independent film, so they had to take different routes. That's increased, and that's better, but overall, and mostly to do with the economy, it's difficult."

John Cooper reiterated "It's always been difficult for Independent films to be made too," and went on to say "I'm happy to see the quality of the work too, I think that filmmakers; especially in the documentary world are becoming better story tellers, there's a big surge of creativity, that's what I've seen."

Sundance London film and music festival runs for four days from 25-28 April at The O2 and showcases dozens of feature films and short films making their international, European or UK premieres in four sections, including a new UK Spotlight. Live music events will be held in the indigO2, with acts including Peaches (Friday), Greg Allman & John Paul White (Saturday) and more to be announced. The panel programme consists of speakers in the industry contributing to talks including a Screenwriting ‘Flash Lab’ and a discussion on ‘The Art of Comedy.’ The festival ‘Hub’ will host a variety of talks and live music. Among the artists expected to attend Sundance London are Lake Bell, Mike Birbiglia, Jimmy Carr, The Eagles, Barbara Kopple and Peaches, as well as Sundance Institute President & Founder Robert Redford.

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