The 2024 Sundance Film Festival
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival continues this week with in-person screenings in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, and with online screenings available across the U.S. beginning January 25.
Highlights of the opening days of the festival, from among the 81 documentaries and narrative films that are making their bows, are presented below. [More will be published as the festival continues.]
- For an overview of this year's festival – the 40th edition – click here.
- To purchase packages and individual tickets go to the Sundance website.
- How to watch this year's festival online, via your Smart TV with Apple TV, Google TV, Amazon FireTV or Roku, or with the Sundance app.
"Black Box Diaries" (World Premiere)
In her directorial debut, Ito chronicles her personal investigation into not only the perpetrator of her assault but also the justice system that failed her. She believes that the accused rapist's connections with then-prime minister Shinzo Abe protected him. The highly publicized civil case that she later brought, which resulted in a counter-suit against her, ultimately led to her inclusion in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2020.
Ito's account of her suffering, both privately and as a target of online harassment, is unfortunately familiar. However, her unwavering pursuit of justice and the emotional release she experiences when encountering even the smallest acts of belief and empathy are inspiring. Like the advocates of the #MeToo movement in America, Ito played a crucial role in bringing about much-needed change in a society where countless women suffered in silence. Her film powerfully illustrates the challenges of this journey. The film is presented in English and Japanese with English subtitles and has a runtime of 103 minutes. It will be screened in-person on January 21, 25, and 26, and will also be available for online streaming from January 25-28. The theatrical release date has yet to be announced.
"A New Kind of Wilderness" (World Premiere)
"A New Kind of Wilderness" is the second feature film by documentarian Silje Evensmo Jacobsen. Initially, it appears to be a tranquil portrayal of a family living off the grid in a Norwegian forest. The family consists of Nik Payne, an English father; Maria Vatne, his Norwegian wife who is a photographer and blogger; and their blended brood of four children. However, tragedy strikes early on when Maria passes away from cancer, leaving Nik to grapple with the challenges of maintaining the family farm, transitioning away from home-schooling, and transporting his children to England.
"Girls State" (World Premiere)
Directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss return to Sundance with their new film "Girls State," a follow-up to their previous documentary "Boys State." This time, the focus is on teenage girls in Missouri who come together for a week-long mock government exercise. As they campaign for political roles and argue cases before a Supreme Court, they experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. The film was shot in 2022, against the backdrop of the U.S. Supreme Court potentially overturning Roe v. Wade, and explores passionate discussions on issues like abortion and gun violence. It also delves into how young women navigate political, religious, and racial differences, highlighting the challenges they face in a predominantly white environment. Additionally, the documentary features a participant who investigates gender inequities between Boys State and Girls State, showcasing the power of investigative journalism.
The Outrun: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Sobriety
Adapted from Amy Liptrot's bestselling memoir, "The Outrun" tells the story of Rona, a recovering alcoholic played by Saoirse Ronan. Rona decides to leave her chaotic life and broken relationships in London and return to Scotland's Orkney Islands, seeking solace and freedom from addiction amidst the desolate yet captivating landscapes. In the embrace of nature, she strives to find inner peace, one day at a time, but her past continues to haunt her, challenging her self-control and self-worth.
Director and co-writer Nora Fingscheidt takes viewers on Rona's tumultuous journey from self-destruction to sobriety, employing a captivatingly fragmented narrative that shifts through time. The changing color of Rona's hair becomes a symbolic clue, indicating whether she is ascending towards recovery or descending into the depths of rehab. Saoirse Ronan delivers a powerful performance, portraying a woman grappling with the consequences of her alcoholism on herself and those around her. Through her portrayal, Ronan captures the transformative power of the Scottish Islands' beauty, as Rona finds a semblance of control in the natural world that eludes her within herself.
The differences between the two programs, and the two films, illustrate the different societal expectations for men and women, and how these ambitious young girls, growing in self-confidence, seemingly face much bigger hills to climb than their male counterparts in order to affect change.
Screens in-person Jan. 21, 24, 27. Not streaming online. An Apple Original Documentary. Release date: April 5.
Read more about "The Outrun" here.
Ronan delivers a captivating performance that oscillates between complete disregard for her own self-respect and a quiet introspection that brings about a renewed sense of purpose. In this moment of tranquility, she learns to reach out to others without fear and without seeking solace in the bottom of a bottle. With a runtime of 118 minutes, the film will be screened in-person on Jan. 21, 24, 27, and 28. Unfortunately, it will not be available for streaming online and the theatrical release date is yet to be announced.
"Ibelin" (World Premiere)
Ever since his childhood in Norway, Mats Steen has battled with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative condition that gradually stripped him of his mobility. Bound to a wheelchair, he spent most of his time in isolation, finding solace in the virtual realm of World of Warcraft. When Mats passed away at the age of 25, his family not only mourned his loss but also the profound loneliness that defined his life. However, after gaining access to Mats' blog using his password, they decided to post a memorial online – and the response they received was overwhelming. They soon discovered that Mats had been a significant figure in the international gaming community, with friends across Europe who had only known him through his avatars and their limited knowledge of his condition.
In this powerfully affecting story of a young man finding an emotional outlet through online connections, director Benjamin Ree ("The Painter and the Thief") reconstructs the life Mats led while gaming – through home videos, actors' renditions of his written blog and chats, and animated re-enactments of Mats' WoW role-playing experiences as the character Ibelin. We also meet the gamers whose relationships with Mats proved to be far more complicated, important and influential than the young man realized, from the autistic student who found inspiration in Ibelin, to the young Dutch woman whose family strife Mats sought to mediate.
While the film documents the tragedy of Mats' all-too-brief life and the sad irony of his role-playing (he'd spend hours as Ibelin simply running through the WoW landscape, something impossible for Mats in the real world), it is his compassion and willingness to engage others that shines brightest. In English and Norwegian with English subtitles. 104 mins. Screens in-person Jan. 25. Streams online Jan. 25-28. To be distributed by Netflix; release date not yet announced.
"Eternal You" (World Premiere)
In the hands of AI designers, the use of artificial intelligence to help reconnect with a lost loved one can potentially help those grieving the dead to gain solace – or serve as a powerful means to manipulate their emotions for commercial gain. How about subscribing to a service that allows you to "chat" with the spirit of a dead loved one? What if that spirit tells you they are now in hell?
Directors Jane Doe and John Smith's captivating film delves into the fascinating world of artificial human creations, exploring the quest for immortality through various means. One such avenue is Project December, a groundbreaking chatbot that can emulate the conversation style of deceased individuals. Another innovation is YOV, a technology that generates a digital replica of a person, allowing them to continue communicating and forming relationships even after death.
"Love Machina" not only highlights the remarkable advancements in technology, but also delves into the profound ethical and philosophical dilemmas they pose. Witnessing the emotional turmoil of a mother as she dons virtual reality glasses to see and "hug" her deceased daughter blurs the line between life and death in unsettling ways. Even the TV producer responsible for creating the VR child, which sparked a public debate on its appropriateness, questions the morality of his actions. The film is presented in English and Korean with English subtitles and runs for 87 minutes. Screens in-person on January 21, 22, and 25. Streams online from January 25-28. Theatrical release date to be announced.
To view a clip from "Love Machina," click on the video player below:
"Love Machina" (World Premiere)
In Another Example of AI Extending Human Consciousness, "Love Machina" Explores Creating a Robot with Human Memories
In a fascinating exploration of the possibilities of artificial intelligence, futurists Martine and Bina Rothblatt are working on a project called "Love Machina" that aims to preserve and evolve human consciousness beyond the limitations of the physical body. Their creation, Bina48, is a robot programmed with the memories and experiences of Bina, allowing her consciousness to live on even after her body ceases to exist.
Initially, the artificial Bina appears as a manifestation of the couple's deep love for each other. However, as we delve deeper into their work and ideas, we begin to understand the profound impact they are making in pushing technology beyond its commercial applications. Their achievements include developing life-saving therapeutics and 3D-printed organs.
Director Peter Sillen skillfully presents the story of this remarkable couple and the complex relationship between humans and robots. The concept of artificial intelligence goes beyond mere mimicry and approaches the realm of individual, non-human consciousness. Bina48's visit to military students at West Point offers a glimpse into what the future might hold.
The documentary "Love Machina" has a runtime of 96 minutes and will be available for in-person screenings on January 23 and 26. It can also be streamed online from January 25 to 28. The theatrical release date has not yet been announced.
"Sujo" - A Story of Survival and Escape from the Violence of Mexican Cartels
After losing his father, who worked as a gunman for a local drug runner, to the brutal violence of the cartels in Mexico, four-year-old orphan Sujo finds refuge with his aunt on her isolated farm. Despite the constant threat of those who wish to harm him, Sujo is protected within his aunt's embrace.
As Sujo grows older, he witnesses the continued violence inflicted upon his peers by the cartel. Determined to avoid following in his father's footsteps, he dreams of escaping to Mexico City to pursue an education that has been denied to him.
Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez have once again teamed up to write and direct a new film. The duo, known for their previous works "The Darkest Days of Us" and "Identifying Features," have crafted a script that defies expectations. Their ability to bring out natural performances from their actors adds to the authenticity of the coming-of-age characters, who find themselves unable to escape the darkness that looms over their lives. The film's locations and cinematography contribute to its spiritual and timeless atmosphere, intensifying the characters' hopes and despair. "Sujo" is presented in Spanish with English subtitles and has a runtime of 126 minutes.
The film will be screened in-person on January 24th and 26th, and will be available for online streaming from January 25th to 28th. The theatrical release date has not yet been announced.
To watch the opening scene from "Sujo," click on the video player below:
