MADISON, Wis. -- Hollywood legend Robert Redford toured his recently opened Sundance Cinemas 608 and met with a small group of selected guests early Wednesday afternoon.

SLIDESHOW: View Photos Of Robert Redford At Sundance Cinemas 608 | VIDEO: Watch Clip

The Sundance Cinemas 608, located at the Hilldale Mall, opened on May 11. The theatre features independent and foreign language films and no advertisement pre-show. After every show, viewers can stop by the café or bar to discuss the films.

Redford was introduced by Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton.

"It's hard (for me) being the center of attention in the room," Lawton joked before turning the microphone over to Redford.

Redford spoke about his vision for Sundance 608.

"Film experiences are kind of like an assault on your senses now -- so full of hype and marketing and it's so transparent what's behind it. And so we wondered, 'Can you have an alternative to that and still survive?'" Redford said. "So the idea was to create an atmosphere that was more relaxed, more calm, more respectful of not only the audience but the filmmaker."

Redford got a private tour of the facility Tuesday night, and he said the theatre is everything he expected.

Redford said that he is pleased the theater incorporates elements and materials from the local environment. He said he likes the subtle theme of a river flowing through the theater's design.

"And the seats are great," he added.

Redford said that when they decided to go ahead with the theater in Madison, some people questioned the decision, saying that the trend is for people to stay home to watch movies on their home theater systems.

"I said, 'I guess I'll bank on the human element, which is always going to be vital; that people need to be in touch with each other.' Even though there's value in making life a little bit easier, still I believe in social connection," Redford said. "But I also believe in creating an atmosphere that makes people relaxed while still enjoying something fresh and new. And that's basically our objective, and to be more of a community experience using film as the vehicle."

"Coming to Madison was key because it shared a lot of my personal values, it's a progressive city," he said.

Redford cited Madison's history of activism and art and its "great university" as other factors that attracted him.

"I'm happy to be here and I hope we can survive -- with your help," Redford said.

Sundance 608 has an upstairs restaurant and a rooftop bar. The theater also has WiFi access, an art gallery and a gift store, and it offers patrons the ability to buy specific seats.