The theme of today's opening press conference at Sundance was change, as Robert Redford and fest director Geoff Gilmore addressed issues ranging from how the downturn in the economy is likely to affect both the festival and the distribution of independent film to how the change of guard in the White House might impact funding and support for the arts under an Obama administration.

In spite of an economic climate that's seen studio distribution arms shut down and film journalists losing their jobs, Redford appeared optimistic about the future of independent film. "Sundance is constantly trying to promote the value of art in society," Redford said. "For art, when ecomonics gets tough, it will survive, it always has. And I think it always will. But certainly we're in tough times right now and it's affecting all areas of the business ... but i do believe art will find a way."

Redford also touched on the issue of Prop 8 and the talk of Sundance boycotts that had been the topic of much post-Prop 8 conversation in the independent film world, saying "I think to try to target Sundance seems self-defeating, since diversity is the name of our game, and we've presented all points of view across gender, class, race since our beginnings. We've been there giving full freedom of voice to all groups of all kinds."

More to come later tonight on the press conference, including Gregg Goldstein's take on the business side of the equation.