Diverse film coverage and criticism impacts the cultural landscape at large by offering views that challenge modes of representation, contribute new perspectives from a variety of different backgrounds, and showcase work that might otherwise be overlooked.
Elevating writers and journalists from these communities inspire audiences who have not seen themselves represented in cultural criticism in large numbers. But as vital as this coverage is, systemic barriers faced by critics from underrepresented groups often keep them from advancing in their careers, which means that film criticism and conversations in mainstream outlets are primarily being written from a perspective dominated by cis, white, male, non-disabled, heteronormative voices.
Now going into its fifth year, Sundance Institute’s Press Inclusion program was created to address an imbalance in the critical landscape and cultivate a more culturally abundant press corps at the Sundance Film Festival through supporting participants in order to facilitate their participation. Over the last four years, the program has supported upwards of 200 journalists from backgrounds underrepresented in the critical mainstream.
The 2023 Press Inclusion Initiative cohort is made up of 42 members of the press covering the Sundance Film Festival — both in-person and online — and you can read some of their selected pieces here:
“‘Polite Society’ – An Unbreakable Sisterly Bond” by Aiko Hilkinger on Screen Speck
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Alani Vargas on The Playlist
“‘The Pod Generation’ Review – Emilia Clarke & Chiwetel Ejiofor Nail Sci-Fi Satire” by Andrew J. Salazar on Discussing Film
“‘Talk to Me’ Review – RackaRacka YouTubers Create New Cult Classic” by Andrew J. Salazar on Discussing Film
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Aramide A. Tinubu on Shadow and Act
“Informacje Kulturalne” by Artur Zaborski on TVP VOD
“Film o Konkursie Chopinowskim podbija USA. “Nie interesował mnie zwycięzca”” by Artur Zaborski on WP Film
“Michael J. Fox: Przestańcie mnie żałować” by Artur Zaborski on Vogue Poland
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Chad Collins on Dread Central
“Sundance: ‘Going Varsity in Mariachi’ Brims With Cultural Pride (INTERVIEW)” by Cristina Escobar on Latino Rebels
“12 Latino Films to Watch For at Sundance 2023” by Cristina Escobar on Latino Rebels
‘Sundance 2023: Crítica de «La memoria infinita»” by Fabiola Santiago on Lumbre Cinema
“Sundance 2023: Eugenio Derbez conmueve a Park City con Radical” by Fabiola Santiago on CinePremiere
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Gayle Sequeira on Film Companion
Best Of Sundance 2023: Sexy, Sad, Drama Passages Tackles the Messy Overlap Between Art And Life by Gayle Sequeira on Film Companion
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Irene Crespo on 20 minutos
“Black trans women take center stage at Sundance with ‘Kokomo City’ and ‘The Stroll’” by Jared Alexander on The Grio
“Sundance 2023: Black films dominate the conversation, Ryan Coogler honored on opening night” by Jared Alexander on The Grio
“6th annual MACRO Lodge returns to Sundance Film Festival” by Jared Alexander on The Grio
“The return of Sundance and ‘The Pod Generation’” by John Horn and Beandrea July on 1A
“The Best 2023 Sundance Film Festival Offerings by Brooklyn-Based Creators” by Joshua Encinias on Brooklyn
“Black Filmmakers Honored During Sundance Opening Night Celebration” by Kovie Biakolo on Essence
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Kovie Biakolo on Essence
“’Kylie’ Isn’t Just An Homage To The Exceptional Ballerina And Actress Kylie Jefferson, But To All Black Women (Sundance)” by Kui Mwai on Shadow and Act
“‘To Live and Die and Live’ Review: Alienated Filmmaker Can’t Go Home Again in Grim Drama” by Martin Tsai on TheWrap
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Murjani Rawls on DraftKings
“Joyland’s trans actor Alina Khan is hopeful for the portrayal of queerness in Pakistani cinema” by Pooja Shah on The Established
“Randall Park’s “Shortcomings” Is the Asian American Story We Desperately Need” by Pooja Shah on Popsugar
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Poloumi Das on The Playlist
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Robert Daniels on IndieWire
Us Documentary Competition – “Aum: The Cult at the End of the World,” “Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV,” “The Stroll” by Robert Daniels on RogerEbert.com
World Dramatic Competition – “Heroic,” “Scrapper,” “Sorcery” by Robert Daniels on RogerEbert.com
World Documentary Competition – “Fantastic Machine,” “Milithusando,” “The Eternal Memory” by Robert Daniels on RogerEbert.com
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Robert Daniels on The Playlist
RogerEbert.com
“Plan C: Sundance 2023 Film Review” by Rose Parra on In Their Own League
“Rosa’s Reviews: Eugenio Derbez Goes ‘Radical’ In Mexico” by Rose Parra on Daily Chela
“Sundance 2023 Stars and Standouts: Docs, Dramedies, and Defiant Women” by Rose Parra on Cherry Picks
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Ryan McQuade on Awards Watch
“Sundance 2023: “Shortcomings” Tries To Explore Desirability Politics But Falls Short” by Shelli Nicole on Autostraddle
Sundance 2023: ‘Rye Lane’ Is a Flawless Story About a Blossoming Black Love by Shelli Nicole on Autostraddle
Sundance 2023: A Queer Festival Recap by Shelli Nicole on Autostraddle
“Dykes, Camera, Action: Drew and Shelli are Going to Sundance!” by Shelli Nicole and Drew Burnett Gregory on Autostraddle
“Here Are the 14 Movies We’re Most Excited to See at This Year’s Sundance Film Festival” by Taylor Antrim and Lisa Wong Macabasco on Vogue
“Little Richard: I Am Everything Is an Essential Black Queer History Lesson” by Taylor Henderson on Out Magazine
“Dakota Johnson Takes Aim At Armie Hammer With Incredible Cannibal Joke” by Taylor Henderson on Pride Magazine
“Sherry Cola Steals The Show As The Gay Best Friend In Shortcomings” by Taylor Henderson on Pride Magazine
“The Hollywood Report” by Cristina Escobar on Latino Rebels Radio
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Trace Thurman on Bloody Disgusting
Assorted SFF2023 Film Reviews by Wilson Kwong on Film Inquiry
This Initiative would not be possible without critical support from our partners: Critical Minded, Netflix, The Open Society Foundations, Rotten Tomatoes, and United Airlines.
