As California’s devastating wildfires continue to impact the entertainment industry, many in the sector are heading to the mountains for cleaner air and the start of the 41st annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The festival, which kicks off Thursday, promises a mix of thought-provoking films, timely topics, and a strong sense of renewal for filmmakers and audiences alike.
Notable Premieres and Films
Sundance 2025 will feature a diverse lineup of films, including several that reflect current political and social issues:
- Free Leonard Peltier, which premieres shortly after former President Joe Biden commuted the sentence of Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, who had been imprisoned for the 1975 killings of two FBI agents. 2000 Meters to Andriivka, a documentary by Oscar-winner Mstyslav Chernov about a Ukrainian effort to liberate an occupied territory, produced in collaboration with The Associated Press and Frontline.
- A series of films focused on transgender rights, including Heightened Scrutiny, which follows civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio, particularly relevant after President Donald Trump signed executive orders rolling back protections for transgender people.
The festival will also spark debates with films like The Stringer by Bao Nguyen, which questions the identity of the photographer behind the famous “Napalm Girl” photo. The Associated Press and the photographer involved have contested the claims made in the film.
Despite the heavy topics, Sundance is also offering lighter fare, including Bubble & Squeak, a comedy about a married couple accused of smuggling cabbages into a country where they’re banned, and Rebuilding, a drama starring Josh O’Connor about starting over after a fire.
A Platform for Emerging Voices
For many first-time filmmakers, Sundance is a crucial launchpad. Last year, Dìdi director Sean Wang gained significant attention, and films like A Real Pain and A Different Man continue to be in the awards conversation. Actors attending the festival also get a chance to show new sides of their talent in a more relaxed, casual setting.
“This is a strong year of renewal for our artist community,” said Eugene Hernandez, the festival’s director. “We have a lot of really great voices and stories to unveil.”
Festival Dates and Events
Sundance runs from January 23 to February 2, with over 90 films premiering over 11 days. Award winners will be announced on January 31. Among the many celebrities attending with films in the lineup are Jennifer Lopez, Benedict Cumberbatch, Diego Luna, Ayo Edebiri, Olivia Colman, and many more.
Some of the high-profile premieres include:
- Kiss of the Spider-Woman (Bill Condon, starring Jennifer Lopez)
- SLY LIVES! (Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary)
- The Wedding Banquet (Andrew Ahn, with Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran)
- Pee-wee as Himself (A tribute to the late Paul Reubens)
- The Alabama Solution (Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman’s documentary on a prison cover-up)
Sundance and the California Wildfires
In light of the ongoing wildfires, festival organizers have been in constant communication with filmmakers, staff, and audiences. They’ve extended deadlines to accommodate those affected by the fires and will also provide QR codes at screenings with information on relief efforts.
“As hard as the last week has been, this will be a moment to come together,” Hernandez said. “The community’s really responding to support those who need it most.”
Sundance’s Future in Park City
While this year’s festival will remain based in Park City, major changes are on the horizon. Starting in 2027, Sundance will move away from its long-time home in Park City, potentially relocating to Salt Lake City, with other finalists including Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio. The Sundance Institute plans to announce its final decision in early 2025.
“Park City as the home of Sundance is such a special place,” Hernandez reflected. “But we’re excited for the future and the next two years in this current configuration.”
How to Watch Sundance Films
For those unable to make the trip to Park City, Sundance now offers a robust online component, allowing audiences to stream films from January 30 to February 2. Single tickets start at $35, with options for unlimited access available. Films that secure distribution can take anywhere from weeks to over a year to reach theaters or streaming platforms, with Steven Soderbergh’s Presence, which premiered last year, only now hitting theaters.
