Must-See Films Set to Shine in Park City
The Sundance Film Festival is a beacon for independent cinema, showcasing new films and talented creators. This marks the final edition held in Park City before the festival relocates to Boulder, Colorado. The excitement is palpable, with various comedies and star-studded projects making headlines this year.
State of the Indie Film Market
Despite the optimism surrounding new releases, the market remains unpredictable. Many distributors are cautious due to previous indie box office failures in the autumn. Yet, the approaching Sundance could serve as a catalyst for potential buyers.
Highlights from the Previous Year
- Train Dreams: Acquired by Netflix, resulted in four Oscar nominations.
- Together: Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s horror rom-com made $32.2M after a $15M acquisition by Neon.
- Kiss of the Spider Woman: Grossed only $1.6M despite a strong festival presence.
New Players and Strategic Moves
The indie film distribution landscape is evolving. Companies like Row K and Black Bear are emerging, while seasoned players like Netflix continue to actively pursue appealing titles. Paramount aims to increase its annual theatrical output to fifteen titles with new leadership, showcasing its commitment to the indie sector.
Noteworthy Titles Premiering at Sundance
- Antiheroine: Directed by Edward Lovelace and James Hall, featuring Courtney Love. Premiere: Jan. 27, Eccles Theatre, 9 PM.
- Buddy: A narrative about children escaping a TV show, starring Cristin Milioti and Topher Grace. Premiere: Jan. 22, The Library, 11:59 PM.
- Carousel: A drama featuring Chris Pine, navigating a father’s reconnection with his daughter. Premiere: Jan. 22, Eccles Theatre, 3:30 PM.
- Cookie Queens: Documenting the competitive world of Girl Scouts, with executive producers Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Premiere: Jan. 25, Eccles Theatre, 9 AM.
- Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass: A relationship comedy featuring Jon Hamm. Premiere: Jan. 25, Eccles Theatre, 6 PM.
- The Gallerist: A satirical look at art and commerce, starring Natalie Portman. Premiere: Jan. 24, Eccles Theatre, 9:30 PM.
- Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie: A documentary showcasing unseen footage, featuring insight into Rushdie’s recovery. Premiere: Jan. 25, The Ray, 2:30 PM.
- See You When I See You: A comedy-drama about trauma and recovery, showcasing Cooper Raiff and David Duchovny. Premiere: Jan. 27, Eccles Theatre, 12 PM.
The Future of Independent Films
As the Sundance Film Festival prepares to showcase these dynamic new films, the industry watches closely. Buyers are eager to discover which titles will resonate. With the festival’s transition to Boulder soon, this final Park City edition promises to be memorable.
