PARK CITY, Utah — As the entertainment industry grapples with the severe impact of wildfires in California, many will soon find refuge in the fresh air of the mountains at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. The 41st installment of the famed festival, founded by Robert Redford, kicks off Thursday in Park City, Utah.
This year’s festival promises to be filled with opportunities for discovery and meaningful dialogue. Some significant films set to premiere include:
— “Free Leonard Peltier,” which debuts shortly after former President Joe Biden commuted the sentence of the Indigenous activist, imprisoned for nearly 50 years after the 1975 deaths of two FBI agents.
— “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” a collaboration between The Associated Press and Frontline, directed by Oscar-winner Mstyslav Chernov, focusing on efforts to reclaim occupied territory in Ukraine.
— A variety of films addressing transgender rights, such as “Heightened Scrutiny,” highlighting civil rights attorney Chase Strangio. The urgency of these topics is amplified following recent executive orders by President Donald Trump that rollback protections for transgender individuals.
Controversy also looms with “The Stringer,” a piece from documentary filmmaker Bao Nguyen that questions the source of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Napalm Girl” photograph. Retired AP photographer Nick Ut and the Associated Press have disputed the claims made in the film, with Ut’s legal team requesting its removal from the festival’s lineup.
Festival director Eugene Hernandez plans to move ahead with the screening, suggesting it will spark significant conversation following public viewings.
Alongside the more serious themes, the festival assures a mix of entertainment, featuring genres like drama and humor. A film titled “Rebuilding,” starring Josh O’Connor, explores starting anew after a fire, while “Bubble & Squeak” presents a comical narrative of a couple tangled in a smuggling scheme involving cabbages in a prohibitive country.
Sundance has historically been a launchpad for emerging filmmakers, like Sean Wang, whose movie “Dìdi” found success last year. Some projects from the previous January are still generating buzz, including “A Real Pain” and “A Different Man.” The festival serves as both a break from the glamorous award season—where attendees are likely to sport snow boots over designer heels—and a platform for actors to showcase a different facet of their skills.
“This year marks a strong renewal for our artistic community,” Hernandez shared, expressing excitement over unveiling new voices and stories in the coming days.
Sundance is scheduled to run from January 23 to February 2, featuring around 90 films over the course of 11 days, with screenings each day starting early and extending into the night. Award winners will be highlighted on January 31.
Prominent celebrities expected to attend include Jennifer Lopez, Benedict Cumberbatch, Diego Luna, Conan O’Brien, and many more stars presenting their latest projects.
While Sundance is known for its surprise breakout films, some anticipated premieres this year include Bill Condon’s “Kiss of the Spider-Woman” featuring Lopez, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary “SLY LIVES!,” and Andrew Ahn’s “The Wedding Banquet” starring Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran, among others.
In response to the California wildfires, festival organizers have been communicating with filmmakers and staff on how best to support them, including extending deadlines for films. Attendees will also see a QR code before screenings to gain information on contributing to relief efforts.
“Despite the challenges faced in recent days, this festival represents a moment of unity,” Hernandez stated. “The community is rallying to help those in need, which will be a significant focus at this year’s event.”
Looking ahead, there are plans for Sundance to transition away from its long-standing home in Park City. Starting in 2027, operations may shift primarily to Salt Lake City, though locations like Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio, are also under consideration. The Sundance Institute seeks to finalize its decision by early 2025.
“Park City has held a special place for Sundance,” Hernandez remarked, but he remains hopeful, stating, “We have two more exciting years to make the most of this experience.”
For audiences eager to partake in Sundance’s offerings, access to films has become more accessible than ever. The festival’s online component, initially adopted as a necessity during COVID-19, will now allow viewers to stream numerous films from January 30 to February 2. Ticket prices range from $35 for individual films to $800 for unlimited access.
Distribution timelines vary, with films that secure deals ranging from weeks to over a year before reaching theaters or streaming platforms. For instance, Steven Soderbergh’s “Presence,” which debuted last January, is just now being released in theaters.
Informed viewers can look forward to a vibrant festival brimming with diverse voices and exciting stories ready to be shared with the world.
