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PARK CITY, Utah — Navigating the extremely busy catalog of the Sundance Film Festival can feel quite daunting, especially with approximately 90 feature films being showcased over an 11-day period.
This year, the festival, established by Robert Redford, promises to offer a diverse selection that caters to a multitude of tastes. Attendees can expect to see everything from comedies and dramas to documentaries and horror films, as well as some uniquely conceptual projects—such as a film about cabbage smuggling titled “Bubble & Squeak” and another where a woman adopts the persona of a chair in “By Design.”
Here is a look at several films generating buzz at this year’s event:
**“Atropia”**
This intriguing film aims for its audience to experience it without prior knowledge, but it features Alia Shawkat as an aspiring actress involved in a military simulation while developing feelings for a soldier acting as her opponent. Produced by Luca Guadagnino and directed by Hailey Gates, the film also includes performances from Callum Turner and Chloë Sevigny. Gates describes the film as a combination of romance and the complexities of the military-industrial landscape, referring to it humorously as a “military industrial complex romantic comedy.”
**“Bunnylovr”**
Exploring the life of a Chinese-American online sex worker, this film highlights her tumultuous relationship with a client while she tries to mend her bond with her gravely ill father. Written, directed, and starring Katarina Zhu alongside Rachel Sennott, this film promises to tackle meaningful themes.
**“2000 Meters to Andriivka”**
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mstyslav Chernov returns with another poignant film following his Oscar-winning documentary about the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In this latest work, Chernov captures the harrowing experiences of Ukrainian soldiers striving to reclaim an occupied village. Kim Yutani, the festival’s director of programming, described it as a “beautiful, horrifying portrait of the futility of war.”
**“Love, Brooklyn”**
Produced by Steven Soderbergh and led by first-time filmmaker Rachael Abigail Holder, this film follows three Brooklyn residents dealing with complex relationships and the challenges presented by a transforming city. André Holland, Nicole Beharie, and DeWanda Wise star in this exploration of urban life.
**“Zodiac Killer Project”**
In this clever documentary, filmmaker Charlie Shackleton reflects on a failed project about the notorious Zodiac Killer. Even after decades of investigation, there remains an abundance of unanswered questions surrounding the case. Shackleton’s film acts as a meta commentary on the true crime genre, delving into what could have been achieved in this ambitious, yet ultimately thwarted endeavor.
**“Train Dreams”**
Clint Bentley directs this adaptation of Denis Johnson’s narrative about a day laborer in the early 20th century railroad industry. The film features Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, and Bentley highlights themes including modernization’s impact on lives, relationships, and the environment, alongside the enduring human emotions of love and loss.
**“Seeds”**
This black-and-white documentary by newcomer Brittany Shayne captures the stories of Black farmers in rural Georgia as they fight to maintain their ancestral land against discriminatory policies.
**“The Ugly Stepsister”**
A Norwegian take on the classic fairy tale, this story about competing stepsisters in a magical realm draws comparisons to “The Substance” and “Bridgerton.” With writer and director Emilie Blichfeldt, this film looks to masterfully reinvent the body horror genre with a female focus.
**“The Perfect Neighbor”**
Geeta Gandbhir’s inventive film addresses a deadly neighborhood dispute in Florida using police bodycam footage to critically analyze the implications of the state’s “stand your ground” laws.
**“Sorry, Baby”**
Produced by Barry Jenkins, this film, created by writer-director-actress Eva Victor, is portrayed as a fresh voice in storytelling. Yutani mentioned the film’s unique approach to character trauma as a revelation and highlighted the intriguing narrative style.
**“SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)”**
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, who previously won an Oscar for his documentary about the Harlem Cultural Festival, now focuses on Sly Stone, addressing the struggles and cultural impact of Black genius through this film. Additionally, Elegance Bratton releases a companion documentary titled “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House.”
Several other music-related documentaries are noteworthy this year, including Amy Berg’s “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley,” Kevin MacDonald’s “One to One: John & Yoko,” and Isabel Castro’s “Selena y Los Dinos,” which highlights the life of singer Selena Quintanilla.
**“Ricky”**
Rashad Frett tackles the challenges of life after incarceration in the touching story of Ricky (played by Stephan James), who is now 30 years old and striving to rebuild his life post-release from prison. Yutani commended the film for its powerful portrayal of family and the difficulties of reintegration into society.
**“Jimpa”**
In this LGBTQ-themed narrative, Olivia Colman and John Lithgow portray a father and daughter on a trip to Amsterdam. Directed by Sophie Hyde, the film illustrates the interaction between the daughter and her non-binary teen, revealing their connection and the complexities of familial love. Festival director Eugene Hernandez praised the talented cast for effectively conveying the richness of their characters’ histories.
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