The General Cinema chain signed a deal with actor Robert Redford to open a string of theaters featuring independent films, the company said this week.
The new chain will be called Sundance Cinemas and will open around the country, particularly near colleges, said GC Companies, the parent company for the chain.Redford helped create the Sundance Institute 18 years ago to encourage the independent arts. It presents the annual Sundance Film Festival in Utah to showcase independent films and launched the Sundance Channel in 1995 to broadcast independent films.
"Sundance Cinemas is the logical extension of our efforts over the past 18 years to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers to reach the broadest possible audience," Redford said. "I also believe that filmgoers are starved for new ideas, voices and visions."
GC Companies operates 1,168 screens in 25 states.