Taking place in Park City, Utah, Sundance Film Festival has established a reputation for showcasing and promoting the best new voices in independent cinema. Since 2012, the largest US independent film festival has been sending a selection of their finest over to the UK. Sundance London takes place at Picturehouse Central from 1-4 June.
Comprising a programme of 15 short films and 14 features, and including a secret film for the first time, it’s a great opportunity to preview some of most exciting new independent cinema. Here are a few of the highlights:
A Ghost Story
With A Ghost Story, acclaimed director David Lowery returns with a singular exploration of legacy, loss, and the essential human longing for meaning and connection. Recently deceased, a white-sheeted ghost (Casey Affleck) returns to his suburban home to console his bereft wife (Rooney Mara), only to find that in his spectral state he has become unstuck in time, forced to watch passively as the life he knew and the woman he loves slowly slip away. Increasingly unmoored, the ghost embarks on a cosmic journey through memory and history, confronting life’s ineffable questions and the enormity of existence.
The Big Sick
The Big Sick tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Zoe Kazan) after one of his stand-up sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents.
Chasing Coral
Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. A team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world.
Marjorie Prime
In the near future, a time of artificial intelligence: 86-year-old Marjorie – a jumble of disparate, fading memories — has a handsome new companion who looks like her deceased husband and is programmed to feed the story of her life back to her. what would we remember, and what would we forget, if given the chance? Marjorie prime is based on Jordan Harrison’s Pulitzer-nominated play, exploring memory and identity, love and loss.
To see the full line-up, find out more about the festival and buy tickets, visit the festival website.
