Sundance 2025 Showcases Bold Queer Stories and Reimagined LGBTQ Classics
Star-Studded Remakes and Innovative Narratives Headline a Diverse and Celebratory Festival Lineup
The 41st annual Sundance Film Festival is set to commence in Park City, Utah, on Thursday, presenting a dynamic selection of 90 feature-length films from across the globe. Each film will also have at least one screening in nearby Salt Lake City during the festival, which runs until February 2.
Renowned for its commitment to spotlighting groundbreaking LGBTQ cinema, Sundance continues its legacy with an impressive lineup of 15 dramatic and documentary features centered on queer narratives. This year’s selection is characterized by an uplifting and celebratory tone, according to Sundance programmer Ash Hoyle.
“The energy is overwhelmingly optimistic,” Hoyle remarked. “The queer community has always been adept at chronicling our histories and struggles, but this year, the focus is largely on celebration and forward momentum.”
Leading the slate are high-profile remakes of LGBTQ classics. Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna star in a musical adaptation of the 1985 film Kiss of the Spider Woman, while Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone headline a fresh take on The Wedding Banquet, reimagined by director Andrew Ahn.
Alongside these reimaginings, Sundance will showcase new works from acclaimed filmmakers such as Ira Sachs (Peter Hujar’s Day), Zackary Drucker (Enigma), and Elegance Bratton (Move Ya Body: The Birth of House).
A Platform for Trailblazing LGBTQ Filmmakers
Last year’s Sundance festival was instrumental in launching some of the year’s most celebrated queer films, including Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow, which recently received nine Dorian Award nominations from GALECA, the Society of LGBTQ+ Entertainment Critics.
“There’s a growing audience for films that break the mold,” said Kim Yutani, Sundance’s director of programming. “Filmmakers like Jane are pushing boundaries, and audiences are responding to that risk-taking.”
For those unable to attend in person, Sundance is making over half of this year’s LGBTQ features available for online screening starting January 30.
Spotlight on Must-See LGBTQ Films at Sundance 2025
Jimpa – Sophie Hyde’s latest film, starring Olivia Colman, explores intergenerational relationships and personal storytelling in a vibrant Amsterdam setting.
Heightened Scrutiny – A compelling documentary by Sam Feder following ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio’s Supreme Court litigation.
Twinless – A darkly comedic and intimate exploration of grief, queerness, and unexpected friendship.
The Wedding Banquet – Andrew Ahn reinterprets the 1993 Ang Lee classic, featuring a fresh script co-written with James Schamus.
Kiss of the Spider Woman – Bill Condon directs an opulent musical remake starring Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna.
Move Ya Body: The Birth of House – Elegance Bratton’s documentary delves into the origins of house music within Chicago’s Black queer community.
Enigma – Zackary Drucker’s documentary follows the lives of trans icons April Ashley and Amanda Lear.
Sauna – A nuanced drama that interrogates gay male affinity spaces and trans inclusivity.
Peter Hujar’s Day – A monologue-driven film starring Ben Whishaw, adapted from an interview with the renowned photographer.
Come See Me in the Good Light – A deeply personal portrait of poet laureate Andrea Gibson, documenting their journey with illness and love.
Sally – A revealing documentary on astronaut Sally Ride, her impact on space exploration, and the evolution of queer visibility.
Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) – A poignant Indian film exploring family expectations and self-acceptance.
GEN_ – A documentary following a Milanese doctor’s compassionate approach to gender-affirming care.
Plainclothes – A ‘90s-set narrative about an undercover cop confronting his own sexuality.
Rains Over Babel – A visually arresting Colombian film depicting a dive bar that serves as purgatory for a group of misfits.
Sundance 2025 promises to be a landmark event for LGBTQ cinema, offering a diverse array of films that challenge, celebrate, and expand the boundaries of queer storytelling.