Charli XCX, Tatum, Wilde Movies Debut at Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival is currently taking place in Park City, Utah, highlighting new films from notable personalities such as Charli XCX, Channing Tatum, and Olivia Wilde.

Notable Premieres at Sundance

• Josephine: A film directed by Beth De Araújo that tells the story of an 8-year-old girl impacted by witnessing a traumatic event.
• I Want Your Sex: Directed by Gregg Araki, this film explores the experiences of a young intern in the art world.
• The Moment: Charli XCX’s mockumentary about the life of a rising pop star.

Josephine: A Raw Narrative

“Josephine” premiered to a full house at the Eccles Theatre, with no available seats and over 400 people on a waitlist. The film is part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition and features Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan as the parents of a young girl named Josephine, played by Mason Reeves. The story explores her emotional upheaval after witnessing a sexual assault.

De Araújo based this film on her personal childhood experiences. During the Q&A, Tatum praised Reeves, recalling a light-hearted scene where they shared a jelly doughnut. He mentioned that watching the film made him emotional, crying multiple times.

I Want Your Sex: A Provocative Exploration

The next film, “I Want Your Sex,” marks a tonal shift with its exploration of sexual dynamics. Starring Cooper Hoffman alongside Olivia Wilde, the film centers on a college graduate who assists a controversial art figure named Erika Tracy.

Director Gregg Araki has worked on this project for over a decade. He reimagined it from a female intern’s perspective to a male character to challenge patriarchal narratives. Araki emphasizes a sex-positive outlook, connecting the film to contemporary societal issues surrounding Gen Z and their views on relationships.

This film features Charli XCX in a supporting role, portraying Hoffman’s girlfriend. Initially a fan of Araki’s works, she expressed interest in participating and completed her scenes during a break in her touring schedule.

Charli XCX’s Double Feature

Following “I Want Your Sex,” attendees at the Eccles Theatre can watch the world premiere of “The Moment,” a meta-narrative about the challenges faced by a rising pop star. This film is scheduled to be released in theaters on January 30, 2024.

TheyDream: A Personal Story

Earlier on the same day, “TheyDream” by William David Caballero made its debut. This mixed-media film delves into a Puerto Rican family’s journey of processing grief through artistic expression. Caballero, along with co-writer Elaine Del Valle, expressed gratitude for presenting their first full-length feature at Sundance.

As the festival unfolds, filmmakers and audiences continue to engage in meaningful discussions about art and storytelling. Filmogaz.com will have more updates on the ongoing Sundance Film Festival.