Redford says he is aware of such success stories, adding, "That's a major reason why we continue to do this. Through the festival, we're helping expose the entire world to fresh new voices and ideas."

LaBute touted the festival's continued importance as well and said, "I believe the kind of platform and launch that Sundance can give these pictures is quite unique for the U.S."

Festival director Geoffrey Gilmore echoed both their sentiments and added that "we're always happy when our alumni come back to Sundance."

Both Eckhart and LaBute have been back to Sundance since 1997 — LaBute returned with the movie "The Shape of Things" in 2003 and has been a festival juror.

Eckhart returned in 2005's "Thank You for Smoking" and 2007's "Towelhead."

And last year he also received a Ray-Ban Visionary Award, a ceremony held independently of but concurrently with the festival proper.

"Sundance has done big things for my career and always feels like coming home to me," he said.

In fact, Eckhart was in Park City during the telephone interview and expressed regret that he wouldn't get to be there "for all the fun" on Sundance '09.

His longtime friend LaBute is missing out this year as well, but he called it "a great atmosphere there, just walking up the street."

"It's the equivalent of being taken to the circus as an adult," he continued. "You try and play it cool, but your eyes are wide with amazement and you find that you're smiling all the time … of course, that may be the altitude!"

If you go

What: Sundance Film Festival '09

Where: Various venues in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and the Sundance resort (Provo Canyon)

When: Jan. 15-25

E-mail: jeff@desnews.com