Sundance Day 4: Premieres of ‘The Musical,’ ‘Cookie Queens,’ and ‘Union County’
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival is showcasing a diverse array of films on Day 4, highlighting unique stories and creative talent. From Middle School dramas to documentaries about entrepreneurship, this day underscores the festival’s commitment to bringing fresh narratives to the forefront.
Sundance Day 4 Premieres
Filmgoers were introduced to multiple notable premieres today, including:
- The Musical – Directed by Giselle Bonilla, this dark comedy marks her feature debut. The film features Will Brill as Doug Leibowitz, a frustrated teacher whose spiteful antics spiral out of control.
- Cookie Queens – Executive-produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, this documentary directed by Alysa Nahmias follows four Girl Scouts as they navigate the complexities of the cookie industry.
- Union County – A return to Ohio for director Adam Meeks, this drama captures the realities of the opioid epidemic through the journey of Cody Parsons, played by Will Poulter.
- Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass – A comedy from David Wain, starring Zoey Deutch as a bride-to-be on a wild escapade in Los Angeles.
The Musical: A Darkly Comedic Exploration
In The Musical, Doug Leibowitz becomes an antihero as he seeks revenge on his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend, the school principal. The film cleverly critiques the performance culture in public schools. Supported by co-stars Rob Lowe and Gillian Jacobs, it delivers a biting glimpse into the complexities of modern education.
Cookie Queens: An Inside Look at Girl Scouts
The documentary Cookie Queens provides insight into the $800 million cookie industry through the experiences of Ara, Olive, Nikki, and Shannon Elizabeth. It explores themes of entrepreneurship and the personal sacrifices families make for success.
Union County: A Deep Dive into Recovery
Union County showcases the struggles of addiction through the eyes of Cody Parsons. Meeks’s film integrates local talent with its cast, reflecting authentic experiences faced within the community.
More Notable Premieres
Other films that debuted today include:
- Shame and Money
- Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
- Jaripeo
- Once Upon A Time In Harlem
- Frank & Louis
- Tell Me Everything
- BURN
- Rock Springs
Upcoming Festival Details
The Sundance Film Festival will run from January 22 to February 1, 2026. The jury and audience awards will be presented on January 30 at The Ray Theatre in Park City, Utah. Attendees can look forward to daily insights and highlights from the festival on Filmogaz.com.
