The 2021 Sundance Film Festival was always set to be different than any other previous version in its history. The wintry film festival, pandemic be damned, has undergone changes It’s shorter — seven days instead of 11 — and the smaller selection reflects that. It will also include screenings held digitally via a Sundance-built online platform That’s how I’ll be covering it, much like most of my colleagues in film journalism, and, purists be damned, I am excited to embark on another Sundance adventure filled with discovery.
Sundance 2021 is going to be kickstarting the movie year with what looks like very rich programming. Those whining that not enough big-name directors were part of today’s announced lineup are missing the point and purpose of this legendary indie festival, now entering its 43rd year. Sundance has always been about the act of discovering new talent, and not necessarily banking on sure-things. Yes, some of the highlights of today’s announcement include new films from Ben Wheatley, who is premiering his horror film “In the Earth” and Edgar Wright, who is debuting his long-awaited documentary about musicians, Sparks. In addition, there are directorial debuts from veteran actresses Rebecca Hall, debuting her feature, “Passing,” and Robin Wright, who is premiering her new film, “Land.”
“Of course, the pandemic year demanded adaptation,” said Keri Putnam, Sundance Institute’s Executive Director. “On a deeper level, we also recognize the urgency of supporting independent storytellers at a time of great upheaval in the film and media fields. We’re proud this edition of the Festival is fiercely independent, and will reach people everywhere, celebrating both the theatrical experience at our Satellite Screens and streaming on our platform.”
“This Festival is a singular response to a singular year – both in design and curation – and we are excited about the new dimensions of possibility it will reveal. But at its core is something that speaks to our most enduring values,” said Tabitha Jackson, Director of the Sundance Film Festival. “For thousands of years humans have gathered to tell stories and make meaning. In this pandemic year we gather to celebrate a constellation of artists with unique perspectives that express this current moment and who together are saying “We exist. This is who we are. And this is what we see”.
This year’s festival includes 72 feature-length films, representing 29 countries and 38 first-time feature filmmakers. Of the 72 films, 66 of the features will be world premieres. These films were selected from 14,092 submissions including 3,500 feature-length films. More than 51% of the films selected are from non-white directors, whilst half of the selection is composed of female directors.
This past January’s edition of the fest, the last major American film festival to be held in-person, was the launching pad for such recent critically-acclaimed films as “Minari,” “The Father,” “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” “Promising Young Woman,” “Palm Springs,” “The Nest,” “Dick Johnson is Dead,” and “Time.”
The 2021 Sundance Film Festival begins on January 28, 2021. Click here for the full lineup.
I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of looking forward to the “Michael” sequel. Whether Vantoine directs it or John Logan, it doesn’t matter—it’s an inevitable sh*tshow that will result from its making and release.