A Complete Guide to the 2025 Sundance Film Festival
A Sneak Peek at the Films, Celebrities, and Conversations Shaping This Year's Festival
As many in the entertainment industry continue to deal with the impact of California’s devastating wildfires, attention is shifting to the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday in Park City, Utah. The 41st edition of the prestigious event will showcase new films and spark discussions on relevant social issues.
This year’s festival will spotlight films that tackle timely topics:
Free Leonard Peltier, a film premiering shortly after President Joe Biden commuted the sentence of Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, imprisoned for the 1975 deaths of two FBI agents.
2000 Meters to Andriivka, a documentary by Oscar-winner Mstyslav Chernov, detailing an attempt to liberate a Ukrainian territory, produced by The Associated Press and Frontline.
Several films focusing on transgender rights, including Heightened Scrutiny, which explores the work of civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio, a subject of increasing importance after recent executive orders by former President Donald Trump reversing protections for transgender people.
This year’s Sundance is not without controversy. The Stringer, a documentary by Bao Nguyen, examines the origins of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Napalm Girl photograph. The film has sparked a dispute, with retired photographer Nick Ut and the Associated Press pushing back against its claims. Despite the controversy, Eugene Hernandez, festival director, confirmed the film will be shown, noting it will generate important conversations.
While the festival touches on serious subjects, there’s no shortage of lighter fare. Expect drama, horror, comedy, satire, literary adaptations, and even documentaries about famous figures. One film, Bubble & Squeak, takes a comedic approach, telling the story of a married couple accused of smuggling cabbages into a country where they’re banned.
Sundance also remains a key platform for emerging filmmakers. Last year, Dìdi filmmaker Sean Wang received considerable attention, and several films from last year’s festival, such as A Real Pain and A Different Man, continue to earn praise. For actors, the festival serves as an opportunity to connect with new audiences and showcase their talents outside of the awards season spotlight.
“This is a year of renewal for our artist community,” Hernandez shared. “We have a wealth of remarkable voices and stories to reveal in the coming days.”
Key Details for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival
When is Sundance?
The festival runs from January 23 to February 2, offering screenings from morning until midnight. Awards will be announced on January 31.
What Celebrities are Attending?
Among the stars with films premiering at Sundance are Jennifer Lopez, Benedict Cumberbatch, Diego Luna, Conan O'Brien, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Olivia Colman, Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Lily Gladstone, Dev Patel, and Willem Dafoe.
What Films Should You Watch?
Some of the higher-profile films premiering at Sundance this year include:
Bill Condon’s Kiss of the Spider-Woman, starring Jennifer Lopez.
Questlove’s documentary SLY LIVES! about the legacy of Sylvester Stallone.
Opus, a horror film starring Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich about the dark side of celebrity culture.
The Wedding Banquet, directed by Andrew Ahn, starring Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran.
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, a documentary about the acclaimed deaf actress.
How is the Festival Addressing the Wildfires?
Festival organizers have worked to support filmmakers, staff, and audiences affected by the California wildfires. They have adjusted deadlines for filmmakers and will display QR codes during screenings, linking to resources for disaster relief. “Despite the challenges of the past week, the festival will be a time to come together,” Hernandez said.
Will Sundance Stay in Park City?
Starting in 2027, Sundance will likely move away from Park City, with Salt Lake City emerging as the primary venue. Other cities under consideration include Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio. The final decision is expected to be announced in early 2025. Hernandez remains optimistic, saying, “We have two more exciting years here in Park City, and we will make the most of them.”
Can I Watch Sundance Films Online?
Yes, Sundance has embraced online streaming, which began as a response to COVID-19 but has now become an integral part of the festival. From January 30 to February 2, audiences can stream many of the films online, with tickets ranging from $35 for a single film to $800 for unlimited access. Films that secure distribution will eventually hit theaters or streaming platforms, with some taking months or even years to do so. For example, Steven Soderbergh’s Presence, which premiered last year, is only now arriving in theaters.