![\"Sundance](\"https:\/\/gihamilton.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sundance-greg-interview-jan21_lo-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a>Something in Bob’s speech that morning assured me that, for all the congratulations we deserved, our job was only just beginning. Being a Sundance alum, I took him to say, was more about the path ahead than the work that got us here. Somehow that kick in the ass was more comforting than a pat on the back (I’ve always thought that I chose my career because it was something I would never be good enough at<\/em> … and thus it would sustain and challenge me throughout my whole life). I left brunch feeling a sense of community with other storytellers who were doing it their own way: mavericks, champions of underrepresented voices, true creators.<\/p>\n “Something comes together that almost\u2014for me it reaches a spiritual moment.” – Robert Redford<\/strong> on skiing<\/p><\/blockquote>\n I think Bob’s challenge at that director’s brunch has mightily motivated me. I’ve made a new movie, Power of the River<\/em><\/a>, that feels like a fitting successor to The Movement<\/em>. It’s my feature debut, my first official foray into producing, and quite the leap of faith. About this new film, Bob was kind enough to say: “A cinematic adventure into the heart of wilderness, Power of the Rive<\/em>r captures the connection between people and the rivers that are our lifeblood.”<\/strong> It would seem his influence and encouragement are still key factors spurring my work onward.<\/p>\n To celebrate\u00a0the occasion of\u00a0Bob’s 80th birthday, here are\u00a0more links and reminiscences, including Bob’s own words about “foolish courage” …<\/p>\n Robert\u00a0Redford on Skiing The first time I skied was a disaster. I was 11 years old and growing up in Los Angeles and somebody said, “come on, let\u2019s go up to Big Bear and ski.” So I went there not having a clue. In those days it was long wooden boards and different kinds of boots. Their idea of showing me how to do it, to help me along, was just say: “Look, go up on the lift and when you get off snowplow.”<\/p>\n So you can imagine what my day was like; it was a disaster. I only had one moment where it was thrilling and that\u2019s when I couldn\u2019t turn and there was open space, and I just let the skis run and that was pretty exciting. I think that stuck with me, so that years later when I was living in Utah in the mountains, I realized I have to be completely a part of this environment\u2014which means wintertime.<\/p>\n I took up skiing late in my life: my late 20s. Just like skateboarding or snowboarding or anything like that, it\u2019s always frustrating at first because you\u2019re clumsy and you make a lot of mistakes and you feel like hell. But once you cross that first threshold, then the reason for it all starts to come clear. I\u2019ve loved speed all my life and always will. The thrill of moving quickly through the natural environment and feeling all that wonderful wind in your face, and making turns with your body that become more graceful, something comes together that almost\u2014for me it reaches a spiritual moment.<\/p>\n Doing Downhill Racer<\/em>, the reason I wanted to make that film was because I have been at sports my whole life. Skiing was the one sport I had not done as a kid; and if I was going to do a sport, I wanted it to be different from sports like baseball, football, or track maybe. For me, it was a combination of poetry and danger. I chose downhill skiing because of the danger, and there\u2019s also a beauty in it. It takes a certain kind of foolish courage.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n O, to foolish courage. May it always\u00a0rise up to meet you on the path\u00a0ahead, Mr. Redford. Cheers, Mr. Redford, you have been an inspiration in my work. I join legions of independent filmmakers who thank you for your example, your guidance, and your encouragement. I wish you a very happy and healthy 80th birthday. I was delighted to meet Robert Redford — who\u00a0goes by “Bob” — in the recording studio back in … Continue reading Happy 80th Birthday, Bob Redford!<\/span> \n
![\"Robert](\"http:\/\/gihamilton.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bob-speaks_250w.jpg\")
<\/a>Hear Bob explain, in his own voice, why he was excited to be part of\u00a0The Movement:\u00a0<\/em>http:\/\/bit.ly\/bob-mtns<\/a><\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>Recorded July, 2011 for narration of The Movement<\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n![\"greg\"](\"https:\/\/gihamilton.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Greg_signed72.jpg\")
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