25 Jan Sundance 2021 Preview

BY ROSA PARRA

The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most important festivals in the United States. It’s also a special event for me because it was the first festival I ever attended; it turned out to be my only in-person experience in 2020 as the pandemic went on to shift our world. Following the paths of other festivals, Sundance is going virtual. Although I’ll dearly miss the in-person experience, I’m delighted that this format provides an opportunity to those who want to cover the festival but wouldn’t have had the means to attend. Shortening their festival run minimizes screening dates and times, which will present a challenge for those attempting to view every film in the lineup. Needless to say, this year’s lineup is nothing short of amazing. It includes 72 features from 29 countries, 38 of which are directorial debuts, as well as 50 shorts, and 14 New Frontier projects to debut on digital platforms nationwide. 

As a result of the pandemic, movie theaters have closed worldwide, and the majority of films have postponed their release dates. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extended their eligibility window to February 28, 2021. The Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 28, 2021 to February 3, 2021, meaning that any film screening in this festival has the potential to be considered for the upcoming Academy Awards. 

Here are a few of the films I’m looking forward to watching!

Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It directed by Mariem Pérez Riera

Premiere Date: January 29, 12pm PST

While scrolling through the lineup, a name immediately caught my eye: Rita Moreno. A documentary highlighting the most decorated Latina actress of all time? Yes! Please! A trailblazer who paved the way for many Latinas currently working in the industry, Rita Moreno is one of the few women to represent the Latinx community with class and prestige. I can’t wait to see the film lay out the beginnings of her luxurious career, leading up to her becoming the only Latina actress to be an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) recipient. After reading her memoir, I have no doubt that the film will dive into challenges Moreno faced while working in a predominantly sexist and racist industry. This is my most highly anticipated film.     

Son of Monarchs directed by Alexis Gambis

Premiere Date: January 29, 3pm PST

The Mexican film Son of Monarchs stars Tenoch Huerta, who portrays Mendel, a Mexican biologist living in New York. After his grandmother passes away, he must return to his native country. While there, he is faced with childhood traumas, forcing him to evaluate his identity and spiritual beliefs. Raised in the area where the Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico, Mendel has always witnessed these butterflies in their natural habitat. According to Gambis, he aims to juxtapose various animal species, including humans, in their processes of migration and immigration. I’m excited to watch this spectacular annual event of the monarch butterflies migrating to Michoacan unfold on screen, and to see how the monarch butterfly has shaped the protagonist’s decision to enter into the field of biology. As a scientist myself, I eagerly anticipate the depiction of a biologist in this film and am excited to learn about the monarch butterfly.

Writing with Fire directed by Rintu Thomas

Premiere Date: January 30, 6pm PST

I’ve been advocating for more female representation in film for years, which is why I instantly reserved a ticket to watch Writing with Fire. This documentary follows the only all-female news network in India as they dig into the injustices occurring in their community, and attempt to expose and eventually demolish a deeply rooted patriarchy. In 2021, I am truly ready to be reminded of the power of unity.    

Playing with Sharks directed by Sally Aitken

Premiere Date: January 29, 6pm PST

What is more thrilling than Playing with Sharks? This documentary follows Valerie Taylor, a marine conservationist diver, who doesn’t fear a close encounter with sharks. She’s spent a good portion of her life connecting with them and exploring the depths of the ocean. Now, Taylor is faced with the reality of the current state of these marine animals whose numbers have been drastically decreasing: something she spent her career fighting. This film pays homage to Taylor’s work by always seeing the beauty in these animals. 

The World to Come directed by Mona Fastvold 

Premiere Date: February 2, 12pm PST

After an award worthy performance in Pieces of a Woman (2020), Vanessa Kirby has made her presence known and left many fans looking forward to her next project. The World to Come is a period piece adaptation narrating the story of two women who are drawn to each other as their respective marriages face challenges. I love period pieces, particularly those exploring womens’ experiences. As one of the few films with a star-studded cast, including Casey Affleck, Christopher Abbot and Katherine Waterston, it is bound to garner attention, including mine. 

Passing directed by Rebecca Hall 

Premiere Date: January 30, 3pm PST

Another star-studded film is Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut Passing. Starring Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, Alexander Skarsgard, and Andre Holland, this film follows two women who’ve known each other since high school. Navigating a racially segregated society, Irene and Clare have decided to live their lives differently, leading to conflict in their friendship. Social commentary from the lens of a woman of color is underrepresented, so I’m eager to see this perspective. 

   

Judas and the Black Messiah directed by Shaka King 

Premiere Date: February 1, 6pm PST

A last-minute addition to the Sundance lineup brought film twitter to the verge of chaos. When I read that Judas and the Black Messiah would be screened, I dropped what I was doing and immediately reserved a ticket for its premiere. Early critically acclaimed reactions, including strong predictions of the film as a contender for the academy awards, have made this film a highly anticipated movie of the year. Inspired by true events, this feature film explores chairman of the Black Panther Party of Illinois, Fred Hampton (portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya), and the man who infiltrated on behalf of the FBI, William O’Neal (played by LaKeith Stanfield). This Get Out reunion promises to deliver a powerful and unforgettable depiction of these historical events. 

Festival Dates: January 28th-February 3rd 2021

Tickets to screenings can be purchased here. 

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Rosa Parra is a film reviewer who’s passionate about advocating for Latinx and female representation. She’s the co-founder and co-host of the podcast Latinx Lens, which is focused on representation and contribution of the Latinx community in Television and Film industry. She’s the assistant editor of ITOL (In Their Own League), a site and podcast dedicated to highlighting women in the industry. She’s a proud member of HCA (Hollywood Critics Association), LEJA (Latino Entertainment Journalists Association), OAFFC (Online Association of Female Film Critics), and is a Rotten Tomatoes approved critic. She’s a coffee addict who unapologetically loves pineapple on her pizza.