The Sundance Film Festival is an event everyone at No Film School looks forward to each year. With this year's fest moving online, it opens up a whole new world of remote screenings and new chances to connect with film fans around the world. Check out all the how-tos of the fest here!
If you want to engage with your fellow viewers at the fest, you can do that again with an Explorer Pass, which grants you access to New Frontier programming and the shorts program.
What does this mean? Those who can't afford travel and accommodations in Park City (or just can't get away from work) will be able to take part in some amazing networking and grow their professional circles. There are also virtual parties and hangouts for different pass holders.
If there's just one film you know you have to see, single tickets are available for $20.
Remember, all the fest's talks, events, and partner programming events are always free and available internationally. So even if you didn't snag a pass this year, hop into those virtual talks and expand your horizons.
We've decided this year's Sundance is everyone's chance to grow as a filmmaker. Just take a look at some of the Sundance 2022 films we're excited about, from creators who are growing themselves, pivoting into new genres, or showing us how to stay curious!
Resurrection
Rebecca Hall returns to Sundance after directing last year’s Passing—this time starring in Resurrection, a psychological thriller also starring Tim Roth. The project comes from a 2019 Blacklist script by director Andrew Semans. If that's not an example of sticking with a project, we don't know what is!
Sundance says the film “a gripping excavation of an inescapable past,” and we love an unhinged Hall (especially after the 2021 horror film Night House), so count us in.
'Resurrection'Credit: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
Cha Cha Real Smooth
It’s always fun to follow a director’s career path, which is definitely what we’re doing with the creative Cooper Raiff. We spoke to the young indie director after his film Shithouse premiered at SXSW 2020, and with Cha Cha Real Smooth he has a well-known cast and even bigger ideas.
He wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the film, and we can’t wait to see it.
'Cha Cha Real Smooth'Credit: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
When You Finish Saving the World
Jesse Eisenberg's directorial debut promises a reflection on the internet fame and youth activism that have been more prevalent than ever these past five years, as well as the classic tale of parents and children struggling to understand each other.
The film will portray a generational gap that feels wider than ever in an attempt to shed light on what the other doesn’t see.
Emily the Criminal
What could be better than Aubrey Plaza engaging in credit card fraud?
This project from John Patton Ford sees her character struggling in the gig economy and turning to a life of crime. Maybe not exactly what all of us would do, but it's definitely a relatable premise.
According to Sundance, Plaza gives “a nervy, committed performance, transforming Emily from an embittered temp worker into a stone-cold thief.” Bring it on!
'Emily the Criminal'Credit: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
A House Made of Splinters
We love a good downer, and this one seems to feature a heartbreaking story of children and staff in a special kind of home—an institution for children who have been removed from their homes while awaiting court custody decisions.
Sure to be a tear-jerker, director Simon Lereng Wilmont takes the audience on a journey of joy, hope, and rehabilitation as workers try to make these kids feel wanted and loved. Sheesh!
Jihad Rehab
This documentary takes us through the last 20 years of Guantanamo Bay and reveals what it’s like for inmates on the inside and the few who get out. How do you deradicalize a terrorist? And what does “jihad” mean, anyway?
We’re excited to take a personal look at these peoples’ stories and get a better understanding of what’s happened since 9/11.
'Jihad Rehab'Credit: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
God’s Country
Falling under the category of “Good for Her” films, Thandiwe Newton’s stellar performance as a woman pushed beyond her limits sounds captivating. The complicated grief cycle mixed with the misogyny and racism fuel this complicated and understated character who is trying to keep it together long enough to find her new normal—a feeling that many of us could relate to.
Luci and Desi
What happens when the funniest female TV personality of our time makes a film about the funniest woman in cinema history? Something interesting, that’s for sure!
In a year of renewed interest in the Ricardos, the inimitable Amy Poehler takes on her first documentary. We couldn’t think of a better creative voice to tackle the true story of Lucille Ball, and we look forward to arguing about how it’s so much better than the narrative version.
'Lucy and Desi'Credit: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.
We like comedy with teeth. And there’s nothing more exciting than watching new voices take comedic risks and get rewarded for it.
Writer/director Adamma Ebo and her twin sister and producer Adanne Ebo first made a satirical mockumentary short about a Southern mega-church. After being spotlighted by Issa Rae, the Ebo sisters got a chance to turn it into a feature.
Sundance calls the humor “big and biting,” and with strong performances from Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown, it’s going to be bold. If you couldn’t tell from the title!
You can check out the full festival lineup here!
