Sundance Institute
From grueling days on set to momentous breakthroughs, dive into these quick-hitting, exclusive introductions to the Sundance Film Festival class of 2019. Get a glimpse at never-before-seen film clips and hear intimate stories from the production trenches.
For many, this is the first time they’ve been able to share their story and recount the journey of their project—everything from the profound to the peculiar to the downright shocking. Join us in discovering these new voices in cinema through our Meet the Artist series.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
The world premieres of 16 narrative feature films from groundbreaking new voices in American independent film. Notable past films include Beasts of the Southern Wild, Winter’s Bone, Fruitvale Station, and Whiplash.
U.S. Documentary Competition
A first look at American nonfiction films illuminating the ideas, people, and events that shape the present day. Notable past films include Icarus, Cartel Land, Strong Island, and Cutie and the Boxer.
World Cinema Competition
Narrative films and documentary features by emerging talent from around the world. Notable past films include Sand Storm, Last Men in Aleppo, God’s Own Country, and Sonita.
Narrative Shorts
Filmmaking’s most original voices in bite-size form. Notable past films include Thunder Road, World of Tomorrow, and Gregory Go Boom.
Documentary Shorts
Risk-taking nonfiction storytellers operating on a shorter runtime. Notable past films include Of God and Dogs, Skinningrove, and The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom.
New Frontier
A bold selection of films and performances from revolutionary artists, along with exhibitions that explore the convergence of film, art, and technology. Notable past projects include Max Rheiner’s Birdly, Chris Milk’s Evolution of Verse, Lynette Wallworth’s Coral: Rekindling Venus, and Vassiliki Khonsari and Navid Khonsari’s 1979 Revolution.
NEXT
A section defined by forward-thinking approaches to storytelling and unfettered creativity. These artists will shape the next great wave in American cinema. Notable past films include Searching, Gook, James White, and Imperial Dreams.
Indie Episodic
The premieres of bold storytelling told in multiple installments. See them well before they’re bingeable. Notable past series include O.J.: Made in America, Transparent, Top of the Lake, and The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst.
Premieres
Renowned filmmakers (and plenty of Sundance Film Festival returnees) from the documentary and fiction worlds showcase their highly-anticipated films. Notable past films include The Big Sick, Call Me By Your Name, RBG, and 20 Feet From Stardom.
Midnight
Horror films, explosive comedies, and the indefinable—these unruly films will keep you on the edge of your seat. Notable past films include Mandy, The Little Hours, and Under the Shadow.
Kids
Specifically curated for our youngest independent film fans, but a treat for all ages. Notable past films include White Fang, The Eagle Huntress, and Shaun the Sheep.
