Why Sundance is the best place for Netflix to show its latest documentaries

Filmmaker Yance Ford found himself in a “Sundance haze” in 2017 when Netflix approached him after the premiere of his documentary “Strong Island.”

At the time, Netflix was relatively new to the original documentary space but had already made a mark with films like “The Square” and “What Happened, Miss Simone?” which garnered Oscar nominations.

“Strong Island” went on to receive an Oscar nomination, and Ford, a first-time filmmaker, reflected on the positive meeting with Netflix, emphasizing the streamer’s understanding of the film’s impact and its potential with a broad audience. A decade after the acquisition of “The Square,” Netflix is back at the 40th Sundance Film Festival, focusing on acquisitions and presenting two distinct originals.

Ford’s latest documentary, “Power,” explores the evolution of policing in America and had its world premiere at Sundance. Bao Nguyen’s “The Greatest Night in Pop,” delving into the creation of the charity anthem “We Are The World,” is another original set to stream on January 29.

Ford credited Netflix with shaping the current documentary landscape, providing public access to films like his. “Power” takes a comprehensive look at policing, steering clear of the defund the police debate and instead examining the manifestation of state power over people.

Adam Del Deo, Netflix’s vice president of documentary, highlighted the platform’s growth over the past decade, reaching over 250 million members worldwide. The audience’s appetite for documentaries has increased, allowing Netflix to experiment with commissions and acquisitions, resulting in successful series and features.

Netflix’s success stories include “Chef’s Table,” “Making a Murderer,” “Wild Wild Country,” “American Factory,” and “Crip Camp.” Del Deo emphasized the importance of finding best-in-class storytelling across diverse genres, from sports to pop culture, nature, and current events.

“What Happened, Miss Simone?” marked Netflix’s first commissioned documentary, and filmmaker Liz Garbus recalled the global impact it had. She praised Netflix for being a premier storyteller in the documentary space and highlighted the platform’s role in creating cultural moments worldwide.

As Netflix continues to focus on original documentaries, recent acquisitions from festivals and upcoming titles, including those from Sundance, contribute to the platform’s commitment to compelling storytelling. Del Deo expressed excitement about the future, emphasizing the anticipation for audiences to experience films like “The Greatest Night in Pop.”

Nguyen, the director of “The Greatest Night in Pop,” shared his personal connection to the iconic song “We Are The World” and the film’s exploration of the unexpected collaboration that brought together artists like Bruce Springsteen and Cyndi Lauper. Del Deo expects the film to bring joy to viewers and create another memorable cinematic moment.

In conclusion, Netflix’s presence at Sundance reflects its ongoing dedication to documentary storytelling and its significant impact on the genre’s landscape over the past decade.