Sundance 2025: Feature Films and Episodics Announced

It’s that time of year again: When the film industry clamors to Utah for eleven days of snow, socializing, and celebrating independent film. Next year, the Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 23 t0 February 2, 2025 in both Park City and Salt Lake City. The program for Sundance 2025 includes a whopping 87 feature-length films from filmmakers across 33 countries and territories, with 36 of the films’ directors making their feature-film debuts. Of the total film and episode program, 96% are making their world premieres.

We’ve listed the feature-film and episodic releases below by category, with the short film program  and festival schedule to be revealed on December 16 and throughout January. For more information and tickets, check out Festival.Sundance.org. What films are you most excited for? Tell us on social media, @FilmInquiry on all platforms!

U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION

Atropia (World Premiere): When an aspiring actress in a military role-playing facility falls in love with a soldier cast as an insurgent, their unsimulated emotions threaten to derail the performance. Written and directed by Hailey Gates, produced by Naima Abed, Emilie Georges, Luca Guadagnino, Lana Kim, and Jett Steiger. Starring Alia Shawkat, Callum Turner, Chloë Sevigny, Tim Heidecker, and Jane Levy.

Bubble & Squeak (World Premiere): Accused of smuggling cabbages into a nation where cabbages are banned, Declan and Delores must confront the fragility of their new marriage while on the run for their lives. Written and directed by Evan Twohy, produced by Christina Oh and Steven Yeun). Starring Himesh Patel, Sarah Goldberg, Steven Yeun, Dave Franco, and Matt Berry.

Bunnylovr (World Premiere): A drifting Chinese-American cam girl struggles to navigate an increasingly toxic relationship with one of her clients while rekindling her relationship with her dying estranged father. Written and directed by Katarina Zhu, produced by Tristan Scott-Behrends, Ani Schroeter, Rhianon Jones, Roger Mancusi, and Rachel Sennott. Starring Katarina Zhu, Rachel Sennott, Austin Amelio, Perry Yung, and Jack Kilmer.

Love, Brooklyn (World Premiere): Three longtime Brooklynites navigate careers, love, loss, and friendship against the rapidly changing landscape of their beloved city. Directed by Rachael Abigail Holder, written by Paul Zimmerman, and produced by André Holland, Kate Sharp, Patrick Wengler, Maurice Anderson, and Liza Zusman. Starring André Holland, Nicole Beharie, DeWanda Wise, Roy Wood Jr., Cassandra Freeman, and Cadence Reese.

Omaha (World Premiere):  After a family tragedy, siblings Ella and Charlie are unexpectedly woken up by their dad and taken on a journey across the country, experiencing a world they’ve never seen before. As their adventure unfolds, Ella begins to understand that things might not be what they seem. Directed by Cole Webley, written by Robert Machoian, and produced by Preston Lee. Starring John Magaro, Molly Belle Wright, Wyatt Solis, and Talia Balsam. 

Plainclothes (World Premiere): A promising undercover officer assigned to lure and arrest gay men defies orders when he falls in love with a target. Written and directed by Carmen Emmi, produced by Colby Cote, Arthur Landon, Eric Podwall, and Vanessa Pantley. Starring Tom Blyth, Russell Tovey, Maria Dizzia, Christian Cooke, Gabe Fazio, and Amy Forsyth. 

Ricky (World Premiere): Newly released after being locked up in his teens, 30-year-old Ricky navigates the challenging realities of life post-incarceration, and the complexity of gaining independence for the first time as an adult. Directed by Rashad Frett, written by Rashad Frett and Lin Que Ayoung. Produced by Rashad Frett, Pierre M. Coleman, Simon TaufiQue, Sterling Brim, Josh Peters, DC Wade, and Cary Fukunaga. Starring  Stephan James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Titus Welliver, Maliq Johnson, Imani Lewis, and Andrene Ward-Hammond.

Sorry, Baby (World Premiere): Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least. Written and directed by Eva Victor, produced by Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, and Barry Jenkins. Starring Eva Victor, Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch, Louis Cancelmi, and Kelly McCormack.

Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake) (World Premiere):  Lives intertwine around Green Lake as a girl learns to sail, a boy fights for first chair, two sisters operate a bed-and-breakfast, and a fisherman is after the catch of his life. Written, directed, and produced by Sierra Falconer, produced by Grant Ellison. Starring Maren Heary, Jim Kaplan, Karsen Liotta, Dominic Bogart, Tenley Kellogg, and Emily Hall.

Twinless (World Premiere): Two young men meet in a twin bereavement support group and form an unlikely bromance. Written and directed, and produced by James Sweeney, produced by David Permut. Starring Dylan O’Brien, James Sweeney, Lauren Graham, Aisling Franciosi, Tasha Smith, and Chris Perfetti.

U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

Andre is an Idiot (World Premiere): Andre, a brilliant idiot, is dying because he didn’t get a colonoscopy. His sobering diagnosis, complete irreverence, and insatiable curiosity send him on an unexpected journey learning how to die happily and ridiculously without losing his sense of humor. Directed by Anthony Benna, produced by Andre Ricciardi, Tory Tunnell, Joshua Altman, Stelio Kitrilakis, and Ben Cotner.

Life After (World Premiere): In 1983, a disabled Californian woman named Elizabeth Bouvia sought the “right to die,” igniting a national debate about autonomy, dignity, and the value of disabled lives. After years of courtroom trials, Bouvia disappeared from public view. Disabled director Reid Davenport narrates this investigation of what happened to Bouvia. Directed by Reid Davenport, produced by Colleen Cassingham.

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore (World Premiere): In 1987, Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award and was thrust into the spotlight at 21 years old. Reflecting on her life in her primary language of American Sign Language, Marlee explores the complexities of what it means to be a trailblazer. Directed by Shoshannah Stern, produced by Shoshannah Stern, Robyn Kopp, Justine Nagan, and Bonni Cohen.

The Perfect Neighbor (World Premiere): A seemingly minor neighborhood dispute in Florida escalates into deadly violence. Police bodycam footage and investigative interviews expose the consequences of Florida’s “stand your ground” laws. Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, produced by Geeta Gandbhir, Nikon Kwantu, Alisa Payne, and Sam Bisbee.

Predators (World Premiere): To Catch a Predator was a popular television show designed to hunt down child predators and lure them to a film set, where they would be interviewed and eventually arrested. An exploration of the scintillating rise and staggering fall of the show and the world it helped create. Directed by David Osit, produced by David Osit, Jamie Gonçalves, and Kellen Quinn.

Seeds (World Premiere): An exploration of Black generational farmers in the American South reveals the fragility of legacy and the significance of owning land. Directed by Brittany Shyne, produced by Brittany Shyne, and Danielle Varga.

Selena y Los Dinos (World Premiere): Selena Quintanilla — the “Queen of Tejano Music” — and her family band, Selena y Los Dinos, rose from performing at quinceañeras to selling out stadium tours. The celebration of her life and legacy is chronicled through never-before-seen footage from the family’s personal archive. Directed by Isabel Castro, produced by Julie Goldman, Christopher Clements, J. Daniel Torres, David Blackman, and Simran Singh. 

Speak. (World Premiere): Five top-ranked high school oratory students spend a year crafting spellbinding spoken word performances with the dream of winning one of the world’s largest and most intense public speaking competitions. Directed and produced by Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman, produced by Pamela Griner.

Sugar Babies (World Premiere): Autumn is an enterprising college scholarship recipient and burgeoning TikTok influencer. Part of a close circle of friends growing up poor in rural Louisiana, she is determined to overcome the struggles and barriers defining them. Faced with limited minimum wage job options, Autumn devises an online sugar baby operation. Directed and produced by Rachel Fleit, produced by Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, and Mehrdod Heydari.

Third Act (World Premiere): Generations of artists call Robert A. Nakamura “the godfather of Asian American media,” but filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura calls him Dad. Robert’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease leads to an exploration of art, activism, grief, and fatherhood. Directed and produced by Tadashi Nakamura, produced by Eurie Chung.

WORLD CINEMA DRAMATIC COMPETITION

Brides (U.K., World Premiere): Two teenage girls in search of freedom, friendship, and belonging run away from their troubled lives with a misguided plan of traveling to Syria. Directed by Nadia Fall, written by Suhayla El-Bushra, and produced by Nicky Bentham and Marica Stocchi. Starring Ebada Hassan, Safiyya Ingar, Yusra Warsama, Cemre Ebuzziya, and Aziz Capkurt.

DJ Ahmet (North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia, World Premiere): Ahmet, a 15-year-old boy from a remote Yuruk village in North Macedonia, finds refuge in music while navigating his father’s expectations, a conservative community, and his first experience with love — a girl already promised to someone else. Written and directed by Georgi M. Unkovski, produced by Ivan Unkovski and Ivana Shekutkoska. Starring Arif Jakup, Agush Agushev, Dora Akan Zlatanova, Aksel Mehmet, Selpin Kerim, and Atila Klince.

LUZ (Hong Kong, China, World Premiere): In the neon-lit streets of Chongqing, Wei desperately searches for his estranged daughter Fa, while Hong Kong gallerist Ren grapples with her ailing stepmother Sabine in Paris. Their lives collide in a virtual reality world, where a mystical deer reveals hidden truths, sparking a journey of discovery and connection. Written, directed, and produced by Flora Lau, produced by Yvette Tang, Joseph Sinn Gi Chan, and Stephen Lam. Starring Isabelle Huppert, Sandrine Pinna, Xiao Dong Guo, Lu Huang, David Chiang, and En Xi Deng.

Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) (India, U.K., Canada, World Premiere): Anand, a 30-something city dweller compelled to spend a 10-day mourning period for his father in the rugged countryside of western India, tenderly bonds with a local farmer struggling to stay unmarried. As the mourning ends, forcing his return, Anand must decide the fate of his relationship born under duress. Written and directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, produced by Neeraj Churi, Mohamed Khaki, Kaushik Ray, Hareesh Reddypalli, Naren Chandavarkar, and Sidharth Meer. Starring Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, and Jayshri Jagtap.

Sauna (Denmark, World Premiere): Johan thrives as a gay man in Copenhagen, enjoying endless bars, parties, and casual flings. Everything changes when he meets William, a transgender man, and falls into a deep love that defies societal norms around gender, identity, and relationships. Directed by Mathias Broe, written by Mathias Broe and William Lippert, and produced by Mads-August Hertz. Starring Magnus Juhl Andersen, Nina Rask, Dilan Amin, and Klaus Tange.

Sukkwan Island (France, World Premiere): On the remote Sukkwan Island, 13-year-old Roy agrees to spend a formative year of adventure with his father deep in the Norwegian fjords. What starts as a chance to reconnect descends into a test of survival as they face the harsh realities of their environment and confront their unresolved turmoil. Written and directed by Vladimir de Fontenay, produced by Carole Scotta, Eliott Khayat, and Caroline Benjo. Starring Swann Arlaud, Woody Norman, Alma Pöysti, Ruaridh Mollica, and Tuppence Middleton.

The Things You Kill (Turkey, France, Poland, Canada, World Premiere): Haunted by the suspicious death of his ailing mother, a university professor coerces his enigmatic gardener to execute a cold-blooded act of vengeance. Written, directed, and produced by Alireza Khatami, produced by Elisa Sepulveda Ruddoff, Cyriac Auriol, Mariusz Włodarski, and Michael Solomon. Starring Ekin Koç, Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü, and Ercan Kesal.

Two Women (Canada, World Premiere): Violette is having a difficult maternity leave. Florence is dealing with depression. Despite their careers and families, they feel like failures. Florence’s first infidelity is a revelation. When having fun is far down the list of priorities, sleeping with a delivery guy could be revolutionary. Directed by Chloé Robichaud, written and produced by Catherine Léger, and produced by Martin Paul-Hus. Starring Karine Gonthier-Hyndman, Laurence Leboeuf, Félix Moati, Mani Soleymanlou, Sophie Nelisse, and Juliette Gariépy.

The Virgin of Quarry Lake (Argentina, Spain, Mexico, World Premiere): In 2001, three teenagers from the outskirts of Buenos Aires all fall in love with Diego. Natalia has always had the most chemistry with him, but when it seems inevitable that their friendship will turn into something more, the older and more experienced Silvia appears and soon captures Diego’s attention. Directed by Laura Casabé, written by Benjamin Naishtat, and produced by Tomas Eloy Muñoz, Valeria Bistagnino, Alejandro Israel, David Matamoros, Angeles Hernandez, and Diego Martinez Ulanosky. Starring Dolores Oliverio, Luisa Merelas, Fernanda Echevarría, Dady Brieva, and Agustín Sosa.

Where the Wind Comes From (Tunisia, France, Qatar, World Premiere): Alyssa, a rebellious 19-year-old girl, and her friend Mehdi, an introverted 23-year-old man, use their imagination to escape their unpromising reality. When they discover a contest in the south of Tunisia that may allow them to flee, they undertake a road trip regardless of the obstacles in their way. Written and directed by Amel Guellaty, produced by Asma Chihoub, and Karim Aitouna. Starring Eya Bellagha, and Slim Baccar.

WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

2000 Meters to Andriivka (Ukraine, World Premiere): Amid the failing counteroffensive, a journalist follows a Ukrainian platoon on their mission to traverse one mile of heavily fortified forest and liberate a strategic village from Russian occupation. But the farther they advance through their destroyed homeland, the more they realize that this war may never end. Directed and produced by Mstyslav Chernov, produced by Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath.

Coexistence, My Ass!  (U.S.A., France, World Premiere): Comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi creates a personal and political one-woman show about the struggle for equality in Israel/Palestine. When the elusive coexistence she’s spent her life working toward starts sounding like a bad joke, she challenges her audiences with hard truths that are no laughing matter. Directed and produced by Amber Fares, written by Rachel Leah Jones and Rabab Haj Yahya, and produced by Rachel Leah Jones and Valérie Montmartin.

Cutting Through Rocks (اوزاک یوللار) (Iran, Germany, U.S.A., Netherlands, Qatar, Chile, Canada, World Premiere): As the first elected councilwoman of her Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi aims to break long-held patriarchal traditions by training teenage girls to ride motorcycles and stopping child marriages. When accusations arise questioning Sara’s intentions to empower the girls, her identity is put in turmoil. Directed and produced by Sara Khaki, and Mohammadreza Eyni.

The Dating Game (U.S.A., U.K., Norway, World Premiere): In a country where eligible men greatly outnumber women, three perpetual bachelors join an intensive seven-day dating camp led by one of China’s most sought-after dating coaches in what may be their last-ditch effort to find love. Directed and produced by Violet Du Feng, produced by Joanna Natasegara, James Costa, and Mette Cheng Munthe-Kaas.

Endless Cookie (Canada, World Premiere): Exploring the complex bond between two half brothers — one Indigenous, one white — traveling from the present in isolated Shamattawa to bustling 1980s Toronto. Written and directed by Seth Scriver and Peter Scriver, produced by Daniel Bekerman, Chris Yurkovich, Alex Ordanis, Jason Ryle, and Seth Scriver.

GEN_ (France, Italy, Switzerland, World Premiere): At Milan’s Niguarda public hospital, the unconventional Dr. Bini leads a bold mission overseeing aspiring parents undergoing in vitro fertilization and the journeys of individuals reconciling their bodies with their gender identities. He navigates the constraints set by a conservative government and an aggressive market eager to commodify bodies. Directed by Gianluca Matarrese, written by Gianluca Matarrese and Donatella Della Ratta. Produced by Dominique Barneaud, Donatella Palermo, and Alexandre Iordachescu.

How to Build a Library (Kenya, World Premiere): Two intrepid Nairobi women decide to transform what used to be a whites-only library until 1958 into a vibrant cultural hub. Along the way, they must navigate local politics, raise millions for the rebuild, and confront the lingering ghosts of Kenya’s colonial past. Written, directed, and produced by Maia Lekow and Christopher King, written by Ricardo Acosta.

Khartoum (Sudan, U.K., Germany, Qatar, World Premiere): Forced to leave Sudan for East Africa following the outbreak of war, five citizens of Khartoum — a civil servant, a tea lady, a resistance committee volunteer, and two young bottle collectors — reenact their stories of survival and freedom through dreams, revolution, and civil war. Directed by Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed, and Phil Cox, written by Phil Cox, and produced by Giovanna Stopponi, and Talal Afifi.

Mr. Nobody Against Putin (Denmark, Czech Republic, World Premiere): As Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, primary schools across Russia’s hinterlands are transformed into recruitment stages for the war. Facing the ethical dilemma of working in a system defined by propaganda and violence, a brave teacher goes undercover to film what’s really happening in his own school. Written and directed by David Borenstein, produced by Helle Faber.

Prime Minister (U.S.A., World Premiere): A view inside the life of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, capturing her through five tumultuous years in power and beyond as she redefined leadership on the world stage. Directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz, produced by Cass Avery, Leon Kirkbeck, Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane and Katie Peck.

NEXT

BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions (U.S.A., World Premiere): Preeminent West African curator and scholar Funmilayo Akechukwu’s magnum opus, The Resonance Field, leads her to the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, drawing a journalist into a journey that shatters her understanding of consciousness and time. Written, directed, and produced by Kahlil Joseph, written by Saidiya Hartman, Irvin Hunt, and produced by Onye Anyanwu, Amy Greenleaf, and Nic Gonda. Starring Shaunette Renée Wilson, Kaneza Schaal, Hope Giselle, Peter Hernandez, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Zora Casebere.

By Design (U.S.A., World Premiere): A woman swaps bodies with a chair, and everyone likes her better as a chair. Written and directed by Amanda Kramer, produced by Miranda Bailey, Sarah Winshall, Natalie Whalen, and Jacob Agger. Starring Juliette Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Melanie Griffith, Samantha Mathis, Robin Tunney, and Udo Kier.

East of Wall (U.S.A., World Premiere): After the death of her husband, Tabatha — a young, tattooed, rebellious horse trainer — wrestles with financial insecurity and unresolved grief while providing refuge for a group of wayward teenagers on her broken-down ranch in the Badlands. Written, directed, and produced by Kate Beecroft, produced by Lila Yacoub, Melanie Ramsayer, and Shannon Moss. Starring Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Scoot McNairy, and Jennifer Ehle.

Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo) (U.S.A., World Premiere): Rico’s summer is a mix of chasing girls and hustling homemade cocktails out of a cooler on Orchard Beach, the Bronx. But when Destiny, his teenage girlfriend, crashes at his place with his family, it’s only a matter of time before his carefree days come spiraling down. Written and directed by Joel Alfonso Vargas, produced by Paolo Maria Pedullà. Starring Juan Collado, Destiny Checo, Yohanna Florentino, and Nathaly Navarro.

OBEX (U.S.A., World Premiere): Conor Marsh lives a secluded life with his dog, Sandy, until one day he begins playing OBEX, a new, state-of-the-art computer game. When Sandy goes missing, the line between reality and game blurs and Conor must venture into the strange world of OBEX to bring her home. Written, directed, and produced by Albert Birney, written and produced by Pete Ohs, and produced by Emma Hannaway and James Belfer. Starring Albert Birney, Callie Hernandez, and Frank Mosley.

Rains Over Babel (Colombia, U.S.A., Spain, World Premiere): A group of misfits converges at Babel, a legendary dive bar that doubles as purgatory, where La Flaca — the city’s Grim Reaper — presides. Here, souls gamble years of their lives with her, daring to outwit Death herself. Written, directed, and produced by Gala del Sol, produced by H.A Hermida, Ana Cristina Gutiérrez, Andrés Hermida, Natalia Rendón Rodríguez. Starring Saray Rebolledo, Felipe Aguilar Rodríguez, John Alex Castillo, William Hurtado, Santiago Pineda, and Celina Biurrun.

Serious People (U.S.A., World Premiere): A successful music video director and expectant father pushes his work-life balance to the extreme as he hires a doppelgänger to work in his stead. Written and directed by Pasqual Gutierrez and Ben Mullinkosson. Produced by Ryan Hahn, Teddy Lee, and Laurel Thomson. Starring Pasqual Gutierrez, Christine Yuan, Miguel Huerta, and Raul Sanchez.

Zodiac Killer Project (U.S.A., U.K., World Premiere): Against the backdrop of sunbaked parking lots, deserted courthouses, and empty suburban homes — the familiar spaces of true crime, stripped of all action and spectacle — a filmmaker describes his abandoned Zodiac Killer documentary and probes the inner workings of a genre at saturation point. Directed and produced by Charlie Shackleton, produced by Catherine Bray and Anthony Ing.

PREMIERES

All That’s Left of You (اللي باقي منك) (Germany, Cyprus, World Premiere): After a Palestinian teen confronts Israeli soldiers at a West Bank protest, his mother recounts the series of events that led him to that fateful moment, starting with his grandfather’s forced displacement. Writted, directed, and produced by Cherien Dabis, produced by Thanassis Karathanos, Martin Hampel, and Karim Amer. Starring Cherien Dabis, Saleh Bakri, Adam Bakri, Mohammad Bakri, Maria Zreik, and Muhammad Abed Elrahman.

April & Amanda (U.S.A., World Premiere): Two legends contested their identities as women in the court of public opinion: April Ashley, who was immortalized as a trailblazer by embracing her transgender history; and Amanda Lear, who has consciously denied and obfuscated her history for decades. Their divergent paths reveal disparate but intertwined legacies. Directed by Zackary Drucker, produced by Madison Passarelli, Douglas Banker, Alex Garinger, Noah Levy, Donovan Lovell, and Stephen B. Strout.

The Ballad of Wallis Island (U.K., World Premiere): Eccentric lottery winner, Charles, dreams of getting his favorite musicians, Mortimer-McGwyer, back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig. Directed by James Griffiths, written by Tom Basden and Tim Key, and produced by Rupert Majendie. Starring Tom Basden, Tim Key, Sian Clifford, Akemnji Ndifornyen, and Carey Mulligan.

Come See Me in the Good Light (U.S.A., World Premiere): Two poets, one incurable cancer diagnosis. Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley go on an unexpectedly funny and poignant journey through love, life, and mortality. Directed and produced by Ryan White, produced by Jessica Hargrave, Tig Notaro, and Stef Willen.

Deaf President Now! U.S.A., World Premiere): During eight tumultuous days in 1988 at the world’s only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead an angry mob — and change the course of history. Directed and produced by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. Produced by Jonathan King, Amanda Rohlke, and Michael Harte.

FOLKTALES (U.S.A., Norway, World Premiere): On the precipice of adulthood, teenagers converge at a traditional folk high school in Arctic Norway. Dropped at the edge of the world, they must rely on only themselves, one another, and a loyal pack of sled dogs as they all grow in unexpected directions. Directed and produced by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady. 

Free Leonard Peltier (U.S.A., World Premiere): Leonard Peltier, one of the surviving leaders of the American Indian Movement, has been in prison for 50 years following a contentious conviction. A new generation of Native activists is committed to winning his freedom before he dies. Directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France, produced by David France, Jhane Myers, and Paul McGuire. 

Heightened Scrutiny (U.S.A., World Premiere): Amid the surge in anti-trans legislation that Chase Strangio battles in the courtroom, he must also fight against media bias, exposing how the narratives in the press influence public perception and the fight for transgender rights. Directed and produced by Sam Feder, produced by Amy Scholder and Paola Mendoza.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (U.S.A., World Premiere): With her life crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. Written and directed by Mary Bronstein, produced by Sara Murphy, Ryan Zacarias, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Eli Bush, and Richie Doyle. Starring Rose Byrne, A$AP Rocky, Conan O’Brien, Danielle Macdonald, Ivy Wolk, and Daniel Zolghadri.

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (U.S.A., World Premiere): Rising musician Jeff Buckley had only released one album when he died suddenly in 1997. Now, never-before-seen footage, exclusive voice messages, and accounts from those closest to him offer a portrait of the captivating singer. Directed and produced by Amy Berg, produced by Ryan Heller, Christine Connor, Mandy Chang, Jennie Bedusa, and Matthew Roozen.

Jimpa (Australia, Netherlands, Finland, World Premiere): Hannah takes her nonbinary teenager, Frances, to Amsterdam to visit their gay grandfather, Jim — lovingly known as Jimpa. But Frances’ desire to stay abroad with Jimpa for a year means Hannah is forced to reconsider her beliefs about parenting and finally confront old stories about the past. Written by Sophie Hyde and Matthew Cormack, directed and produced by Sophie Hyde, and produced by Liam Heyen, Bryan Mason, and Marleen Slot. Starring Olivia Colman, John Lithgow, and Aud Mason-Hyde.

Kiss of the Spider Woman (U.S.A., World Premiere): Valentín, a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna. Written and directed by Bill Condon, produced by Barry Josephson, Tom Kirdahy, and Greg Yolen. Starring Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, Jennifer Lopez, Bruno Bichir, Josefina Scaglione, and Aline Mayagoitia.

Last Days (U.S.A., World Premiere): Determined to fulfill his life’s mission, 26-year-old John Allen Chau embarks on a dangerous adventure across the globe to convert the uncontacted tribe of North Sentinel Island to Christianity, while a detective from the Andaman Islands races to stop him before he does harm to himself or the tribe. Directed and produced by Justin Lin, written by Ben Ripley, and produced by Clayton Townsend, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson, Salvador Gatdula, and Andrew Schneider. Starring Sky Yang, Radhika Apte, Naveen Andrews, Ken Leung, Toby Wallace, and Ciara Bravo.

The Librarians (U.S.A., World Premiere): As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy. Directed and produced by Kim A. Snyder, produced by Janique L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, and Jana Edelbaum.

Lurker (U.S.A., World Premiere): A retail employee infiltrates the inner circle of an artist on the verge of stardom. As he gets closer to the budding music star, access and proximity become a matter of life and death. Written and directed by Alex Russell, produced by Alex Orlovsky, Duncan Montgomery, Galen Core, Charlie McDowell, and Archie Madekwe. Starring Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Havana Rose Liu, Sunny Suljic, Zach Fox, and Daniel Zolghadri.

Magic Farm (Argentina, U.S.A., World Premiere): A film crew working for an edgy media company travels to Argentina to profile a local musician, but their ineptitude leads them into the wrong country. As the crew collaborates with locals to fabricate a trend, unexpected connections blossom while a pervasive health crisis looms unacknowledged in the background. Written and directed by Amalia Ulman, produced by Alex Hughes, Eugene Kotlyarenko, and Riccardo Maddalosso. Starring Chloë Sevigny, Alex Wolff, Joe Apollonio, Camila del Campo, and Simon Rex.

Middletown (U.S.A., World Premiere): Inspired by an unconventional teacher, a group of teenagers in upstate New York in the early 1990s made a student film that uncovered a vast conspiracy involving toxic waste that was poisoning their community. Thirty years later, they revisit their film and confront the legacy of this transformative experience. Written, directed, and produced by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, and produced by Teddy Leifer, Florrie Priest, and Danny Breen.

Move Ya Body: The Birth of House (U.S.A., World Premiere): Out of the underground dance clubs on the South Side of Chicago, a group of friends turn a new sound into a global movement. Written and directed by Elegance Bratton, produced by Chester Algernal Gordon.

Oh, Hi! (U.S.A., World Premiere): Iris and Isaac’s first romantic weekend getaway goes awry. Cast: Molly Gordon, Logan Lerman, Geraldine Viswanathan, John Reynolds. Written, directed, and produced by Sophie Brooks, produced by David Brooks, Dan Clifton, Julie Waters, and Molly Gordon.

Peter Hujar’s Day (U.S.A., World Premiere): A recently discovered conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz in 1974 reveals a glimpse into New York City’s downtown art scene and the personal struggles and epiphanies that define an artist’s life. Written and directed by Ira Sachs, produced by Jordan Drake and Jonah Disend. Starring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall.

Rebuilding (U.S.A., World Premiere): After a wildfire takes the family farm, a rancher seeks a way forward. Written and directed by Max Walker-Silverman, produced by Jesse Hope, Dan Janvey, and Paul Mezey. Starring Josh O’Connor, Lily LaTorre, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan.

SALLY (U.S.A., World Premiere): Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into space, but beneath her unflappable composure was a secret. Sally’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, reveals their hidden romance and the sacrifices that accompanied their 27 years together. Written by Cristina Costantini and Tom Maroney, directed and produced by Cristina Costantini, and produced by Lauren Cioffi, Dan Cogan, and Jon Bardin. 2025 Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize Winner.

SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (U.S.A., World Premiere): An examination of the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone — the groundbreaking band led by the charismatic and enigmatic Sly Stone — captures the band’s rise, reign, and subsequent fadeout while shedding light on the unseen burden that comes with success for Black artists in America. Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, produced by Joseph Patel and Derik Murray.

The Thing with Feathers (U.K., World Premiere): Struggling to process the sudden and unexpected death of his wife, a young father loses his hold on reality as a seemingly malign presence begins to stalk him from the shadowy recesses of the apartment he shares with his two young sons. Written and directed by Dylan Southern, produced by Andrea Cornwell, Leah Clarke, and Adam Ackland. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Boxall, Henry Boxall, Eric Lampaert, Vinette Robinson, and Sam Spruell.

Train Dreams (U.S.A., World Premiere): Robert Grainier is a day laborer building America’s railroads at the start of the 20th century as he experiences profound love, shocking defeat, and a world irrevocably transforming before his very eyes. Directed by Clint Bentley, written by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, and produced by Marissa McMahon, Teddy Schwarzman, Will Janowitz, Ashley Schlaifer, and Michael Heimler. Starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy.

The Wedding Banquet (U.S.A., World Premiere): Frustrated with his commitment-phobic boyfriend, Chris, and out of time, Min makes a proposal: a green card marriage with his friend Angela in exchange for expensive in vitro fertilization treatments for her partner, Lee. Plans change when Min’s grandmother surprises them with an elaborate Korean wedding banquet. Directed by Andrew Ahn, written by Andrew Ahn and James Schamus, and produced by James Schamus, Anitha Gou, Joe Pirro, and Caroline Clark. Starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, Youn Yuh-jung.

MIDNIGHT

Dead Lover (Canada, World Premiere): A lonely gravedigger who stinks of corpses finally meets her dream man, but their whirlwind affair is cut short when he tragically drowns at sea. Grief-stricken, she goes to morbid lengths to resurrect him through madcap scientific experiments, resulting in grave consequences and unlikely love. Directed by Grace Glowicki, written and produced by Grace Glowicki and Ben Petrie, and produced by Yona Strauss. Starring Grace Glowicki, Ben Petrie, Leah Doz, and Lowen Morrow.

Didn’t Die (U.S.A., World Premiere): A podcast host desperately clings to an ever-shrinking audience in the zombie apocalypse. Directed by Meera Menon, written and produced by Meera Menon and Paul Gleason, and produced by Erica Fishman, Joe Camerota, and Luke Patton. Starring Kiran Deol, George Basil, Samrat Chakrabarti, Katie McCuen, and Vishal Vijayakumar.

Opus (U.S.A., World Premiere) A young writer is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star who mysteriously disappeared 30 years ago. Surrounded by the star’s cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan. Written, directed, and produced by Mark Anthony Green, produced by Collin Creighton, Brad Weston, Poppy Hanks, Jelani Johnson, and Josh Bachove. Starring Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, and Amber Midthunder.

Rabbit Trap (U.K., World Premiere): When a musician and her husband move to a remote house in Wales, the music they make disturbs local ancient folk magic, bringing a nameless child to their door who is intent on infiltrating their lives. Written and directed by Bryn Chainey, produced by Daniel Noah, Lawrence Inglee, Elijah Wood, Elisa Lleras, Adrian Politowski, and Martin Metz. Starring Dev Patel, Rosy McEwen, and Jade Croot.

Together (Australia, U.S.A., World Premiere): With a move to the countryside already testing the limits of a couple’s relationship, a supernatural encounter begins an extreme transformation of their love, their lives, and their flesh. Written and directed by Michael Shanks produced by Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Mike Cowap, Andrew Mittman, Erik Feig, and Max Silva. Starring Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Damon Herriman.

Touch Me (U.S.A., World Premiere): Two codependent best friends become addicted to the heroin-like touch of an alien narcissist who may or may not be trying to take over the world. Written, directed, and produced by Addison Heimann, produced by John Humber and David Lawson Jr. Starring Olivia Taylor Dudley, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jordan Gavaris, Marlene Forte, and Paget Brewster.

The Ugly Stepsister (Norway, World Premiere): In a fairy-tale kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira battles to compete with her incredibly beautiful stepsister, and she will go to any length to catch the prince’s eye. Written and directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, produced by Maria Ekerhovd. Starring Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, Flo Fagerli, Isac Calmroth, and Malte Gårdinger.

EPISODIC

Bucks County, USA (U.S.A., World Premiere): Evi and Vanessa, two 14-year-olds living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are best friends despite their opposing political beliefs. As nationwide disputes over public education explode into vitriol and division in their hometown, the girls and others in the community fight to discover the humanity in “the other side.” Directed and executive produced by Barry Levinson and Robert May, executive produced by Jason Sosnoff. Five-part docu-series, screening episodes one and two.

Hal & Harper (U.S.A., World Premiere): Hal and Harper and Dad chart the evolution of their family. Directed and executive produced by Cooper Raiff, executive produced by Clementine Quittner, Lili Reinhart, Daniel Lewis, and Addison Timlin. Starring Lili Reinhart, Mark Ruffalo, Betty Gilpin, Havana Rose Liu, Addison Timlin, and Alyah Chanelle Scott. Eight-episode season, screening first four episodes in person and full season online.

Pee-wee as Himself  (U.S.A., World Premiere): A chronicle of the life of artist and performer Paul Reubens and his alter ego Pee-wee Herman. Prior to his recent death, Reubens spoke in-depth about his creative influences, and the personal struggles he faced to persevere as an artist. Two-part documentary, screening in its entirety. Directed by Matt Wolf, produced by Emma Tillinger Koskoff.

Episodic Pilot Showcase

BULLDOZER (U.S.A., World Premiere): An undermedicated, chronically impassioned young woman lurches from crisis to crisis of her own making. Written and executive produced by Joanna Leeds, directed and executive produced by Andrew Leeds and executive produced by Rhett Reese and Caleb Reese. Starring Joanna Leeds, Mary Steenburgen, Nat Faxon, Harvey Guillen, Allen Leech, and Kate Burton.

Chasers (U.S.A., World Premiere): At a Los Angeles house party, an aspiring musician pursues her crush through a crowd of hopeful dreamers chasing empty promises. Directed and Produced by Erin Brown Thomas, written by Erin Brown Thomas and Ciarra Krohne, and produced by Elle Shaw, Olivia Haller, Beth Napoli, and Hayden Greiwe. Starring Ciarra Krohne, Louie Chapman, Keana Marie, Shannon Gisela, Brooke Maroon, and Xan Churchwell.

Never Get Busted! (Australia, World Premiere): Barry Cooper was a highly decorated Texas narcotics officer — until he turned on the police force by busting crooked cops and teaching drug users how to hide their stash. Showrunners: David Anthony Ngo and Erin Williams-Weir, executive produced by John Battsek and Chris Smith.

SPOTLIGHT

April (Georgia): Nina is an obstetrician at a maternity hospital in Eastern Georgia. After a difficult delivery, an infant dies and the father demands an inquiry into her methods. The scrutiny threatens to expose Nina’s secret side job — visiting village homes of pregnant girls and women to provide unsanctioned abortions. Written and directed by Dea Kulumbegashvili, produced by Luca Guadagnino, David Zerat, Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Archil Gelovani, Gabriele Moratti, and Alexandra Rossi. Starring Ia Sukhitashvili and Kakha Kintsurashvili.

One to One: John & Yoko (U.K.): An exploration of the seminal and transformative 18 months that one of music’s most famous couples — John Lennon and Yoko Ono — spent living in Greenwich Village, New York City, in the early 1970s. Directed and produced by Kevin Macdonald, produced by Peter Worsley, and Alice Webb.

FAMILY MATINEE

The Legend of Ochi (U.S.A., World Premiere): In a remote village on the island of Carpathia, a farm girl named Yuri is raised to fear an animal species known as Ochi. But when Yuri discovers a wounded baby Ochi has been left behind, she escapes on an adventure to bring him home. Written, directed, and produced by Isaiah Saxon, produced by Richard Peete, Traci Carlson, and Jonathan Wang. Starring Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, and Willem Dafoe.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

The Six Billion Dollar Man (U.S.A., World Premiere): Julian Assange faced a possible 175 years in prison for exposing U.S. war crimes until events took a turn in this landmark case. Directed by Eugene Jarecki, produced by Kathleen Fournier.

FROM THE COLLECTION

El Norte (U.S.A.): After their family is murdered by the government in a massacre during the Guatemalan Civil War, Indigenous siblings Rosa and Enrique flee up “Norte” to the United States for a chance at survival. When they arrive, they find life in the U.S. is not what they had hoped for. Directed by Gregory Nava, written by Gregory Nava and Anna Thomas, and produced by Anna Thomas. Starring Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez, David Villalpando, Ernesto Gómez Cruz, Lupe Ontiveros, Trinidad Silva, and Alicia del Lago. This is a 4K digital restoration from the original negative, restored in 2017 by the Academy Film Archive, supported in part by the Getty Foundation. This screening is courtesy of Lionsgate.

Unzipped (U.S.A.): Director Douglas Keeve goes behind the scenes of designer Isaac Mizrahi’s relentless drive and bold vision to bring his 1994 collection to life. From sketches to runway, this insider’s journey is packed with backstage drama, creative triumphs, and iconic supermodels, including Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista. Directed by Douglas Keeve, produced by Michael Alden. The film is a brand new digital restoration from a 4k scan of the 35mm interpositive and DA-88 audio files. It has been restored by Sundance Institute and UCLA Film & Television Archive, funded by Isaac Mizrahi Entertainment. 

As the festival approaches, keep checking back for Sundance 2025 updates.