The Sundance Film Festival 2026 Lineup

This year marks the last time the Sundance Film Festival will be held in Utah before it moves to Boulder, Colorado next year, making this lineup particularly special. The U.S. Dramatic Competition features several notable films, including Carousel, a drama about divorce with Chris Pine and Jenny Slate, and two movies focusing on high school theater programs, The Musical and Run Amok. Outside of the competition, premieres include Gregg Araki’s new film, I Want Your Sex, starring Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, and Charli XCX. Also showing is The Brittney Griner Story, a documentary detailing the WNBA star’s detention in Russia. And fans of Mad Men will be excited to see Jon Hamm and John Slattery reunite in the comedy Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, alongside Zoey Deutch.

Below, the full list of films playing Sundance Film Festival 2026.

U.S. Dramatic Competition

Bedford Park, a new film from the U.S.A., tells the story of Audrey, a woman in her 30s grappling with a difficult childhood. When her mother is in a car accident, Audrey returns home and unexpectedly connects with the man who caused it. As they get to know each other, a surprising and tender relationship develops. The film is directed and written by Stephanie Ahn, and produced by Gary Foster, Chris S. Lee, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Theresa Kang, and Son Sukku. It stars Moon Choi, Son Sukku, Won Mi Kyung, Kim Eung Soo, and Jefferson White, and is available to watch online after its world premiere.

I’m really excited about this new film, Carousel! It’s directed and written by Rachel Lambert, and produced by a great team including Chris Pine. From what I understand, it’s about a doctor in Cleveland who’s life gets shaken up when his daughter wants to join the debate team and an old flame comes back into the picture. It sounds like he has to really think about his life and maybe even take a chance on love again. The movie stars Chris Pine, Jenny Slate, and Abby Ryder Fortson, and it just had its world premiere, which is awesome! Plus, you can watch it online now, so I can’t wait to check it out!

Directed by Hossein Keshavarz and Maryam Ataei, The Friend’s House Is Here is a film set in Tehran’s vibrant underground art community. It follows two young women who create a haven of freedom and strong friendship, but their world is threatened when their group is discovered, forcing them to protect each other. The film stars Mahshad Bahram, Hana Mana, Farzad Karen, and Zohreh Pirnia. This is its world premiere and it is available to watch online.

Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! is a film directed, written, and produced by Josef Kubota Wladyka, with Nicholas Huynh as a co-writer and Kimberly Parker Zox and Mao Nagakura as producers. The story follows Haru and Luis, passionate ballroom dancers in Tokyo, whose lives are disrupted by a tragic event. Haru retreats from the world, but her friends encourage her to return to the dance studio, where she finds herself drawn to a new instructor. As a connection sparks between them, Haru must confront what the future holds. The film stars Rinko Kikuchi, Alberto Guerra, Alejandro Edda, YOU, Yoh Yoshida, and Damián Alcázar, and is premiering online for public viewing.

Hot Water, a film directed and written by Ramzi Bashour and produced by Jesse Hope, Max Walker-Silverman, and Josh Peters, tells the story of a young man and his mother from Lebanon who embark on a road trip west after he’s expelled from high school in Indiana. The film stars Lubna Azabal and Daniel Zolghadri and is premiering online for public viewing.

Josephine, directed, written, and produced by Beth de Araújo (with producers David Kaplan, Josh Peters, Marina Stabile, Mark H. Rapaport, and Crystine Zhang), tells the story of an 8-year-old girl who witnesses a crime in Golden Gate Park. Unable to cope, Josephine begins to act out, seeking a way to feel safe when the adults around her can’t help. The film stars Mason Reeves, Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan, Philip Ettinger, Syra McCarthy, and Eleanore Pienta. It recently had its world premiere and is now available to watch online.

The Musical, a new film from the U.S.A. directed by Giselle Bonilla and written/produced by Alexander Heller (with additional producers Rob Lowe, Greg Lauritano, Findlay Brown, and Jordan Backhus), tells the story of a playwright and teacher who tries to sabotage the romantic life of his rival—the school principal—after learning his ex-girlfriend is now dating him. The film stars Will Brill, Gillian Jacobs, and Rob Lowe, and is available to watch online. This is its world premiere.

Run Amok, a film directed and written by NB Mager and produced by Julie Christeas and Frank Hall Green, tells the story of a high schooler who creates a detailed musical about a day the school would rather forget. The film stars Alyssa Marvin, Patrick Wilson, Margaret Cho, Sophia Torres, Elizabeth Marvel, and Molly Ringwald. It recently had its world premiere and is now available to watch online.

Take Me Home is a film directed and written by Liz Sargent, and produced by Apoorva Guru Charan and Minos Papas. It tells the story of Anna, a 38-year-old Korean adoptee with a cognitive disability, who lovingly cares for her aging parents. Their delicate family life is disrupted by a severe heat wave in Florida, throwing Anna’s future into uncertainty until she finds a way to build a fulfilling life for herself. The film stars Anna Sargent, Victor Slezak, Ali Ahn, Marceline Hugot, and Shane Harper. This is its world premiere and it is available to watch online.

Directed and written by Adam Meeks, and produced by Brad Becker-Parton, Stephanie Roush, Sean Weiner, Faye Tsakas, and Martha Gregory, this film follows Cody Parsons as he navigates the challenges of opioid recovery in rural Ohio through a court-ordered drug program. The film stars Will Poulter, Noah Centineo, Elise Kibler, Emily Meade, and Annette Deao. It had its world premiere and is currently available to watch online.

U.S. Documentary Competition

American Doctor follows three U.S. doctors – one Palestinian, one Jewish, and one Zoroastrian – as they travel to Gaza to provide medical care. The film explores the challenges they face navigating the complex political landscape and their dedication to revealing the realities on the ground. Directed by Poh Si Teng and produced by Kirstine Barfod and Reem Haddad, this film is premiering worldwide and is available for public viewing online.

The documentary American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez (directed and written by David Alvarado, and produced by Lauren DeFilippo, Everett Katigbak, and Amanda Pollak) tells the story of how Luis Valdez overcame obstacles to bring Chicano stories to the big screen with films like Zoot Suit and La Bamba. These groundbreaking works both challenged and celebrated American culture, enriching the nation’s narrative. This is its world premiere and is available to watch online.

Barbara Forever is a documentary from the U.S.A., directed and produced by Brydie O’Connor, with Elijah Stevens as a producer. It explores the life, work, and lasting impact of Barbara Hammer, a groundbreaking lesbian filmmaker. This is its world premiere and will be available to the public online.

Joybubbles, a man born blind in the U.S.A., discovered he could influence the phone system simply by whistling. This early fascination with connecting to others unintentionally helped create a community that would later become important in the world of hacking and technology. This film, directed by Rachael J. Morrison and produced by Sarah Winshall, is premiering online and available for public viewing.

Abby Ellis directs and produces The Lake, with Fletcher Keyes also producing. This film, premiering online, tells the story of two determined scientists and a political strategist who must act quickly to prevent a nuclear disaster in Utah and save their community. It’s available for public viewing online.

Nuisance Bear, a documentary filmed in the U.S.A. and Canada (directed by Gabriela Osio Vanden and Jack Weisman, produced by Michael Code, Will N. Miller, and Teddy Leifer), follows a polar bear struggling to survive in a world increasingly dominated by humans. As the bear’s traditional migration path clashes with tourism, wildlife management, and hunting, the film questions who rightfully shares this environment. This is its world premiere and is available to watch online.

Public Access U.S.A., directed by David Shadrack Smith and produced by Sara Crow and Anne-Marcelle Ngabirano, offers a unique look at a groundbreaking experiment in media. The film features rare footage from New York’s underground scene, showcasing the rule-breaking creators who challenged censorship and turned television into a platform for anyone with a voice. This is a world premiere and will be available online for public viewing.

I was deeply moved by the documentary Seized. It tells the story of Marion, Kansas, a small town suddenly caught in a huge controversy when the police raided the Marion County Record, a local newspaper. Sadly, the 98-year-old co-owner passed away during this event, and it really sparked a vital conversation about power, what’s right in journalism, the importance of local news, and even our constitutional rights. It’s a powerful film, and I was glad to see it had its world premiere and is available online for everyone to watch.

Soul Patrol, a new documentary from the U.S.A. (directed and produced by J.M. Harper, with Sam Bisbee, Danielle Massie, Nasir Jones, and Peter Bittenbender as producers), reveals a previously untold story of the Vietnam War. The film follows the first all-Black special operations team and explores whether confronting the past can bring them peace. It’s premiering online and available for public viewing.

Who Killed Alex Odeh? is a documentary about the 1978 murder of a popular Palestinian American activist in Southern California. The film follows the 40-year search for justice in the case, and explores the origins of a continuing, dangerous political movement. It will have its world premiere and is available to watch online.

World Cinema Dramatic Competition

Paloma Schneideman’s film, Big Girls Don’t Cry, follows 14-year-old Sid Bookman during a pivotal summer in rural New Zealand in 2006. As she explores her identity and burgeoning desires, Sid experiments with online personas, seeking connection and affection. Starring Ani Palmer, Rain Spencer, and Noah Taylor, this film had its world premiere and is available to watch online. Produced by Vicky Pope and Thomas Coppell.

In the film How to Divorce During the War, set in Vilnius in 2022, Marija decides she wants a divorce from her husband, Vytas, just as Russia invades Ukraine. The film follows their struggle to navigate a divorce amidst the backdrop of war. Directed and written by Andrius Blaževičius, and produced by Marija Razgutė, the film stars Marius Repšys, Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė, Amelija Adomaitytė, Indrė Patkauskaitė, and Gintarė Parulytė. It is having its world premiere and is available to watch online.

Extra Geography is a U.K. film directed by Molly Manners and written by Miriam Battye, produced by Sarah Brocklehurst. Set in an English boarding school, the film follows two teenage best friends as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence – including friendships, first crushes, schoolwork, and self-discovery – all while working on a school project and falling in love. The film stars Marni Duggan, Galaxie Clear, and Alice Englert, and is having its world premiere, available to watch online.

Filipiñana, a film originating from Singapore, the U.K., the Philippines, France, and the Netherlands (directed and written by Rafael Manuel, and produced by Jeremy Chua, Alex Polunin, Bianca Balbuena, Bradley Liew, Nadia Turincev, and Omar El Kadi), tells the story of Isabel, a tee girl who develops a strange attraction to Dr. Palanca, the president of the country club where she works. As she uncovers a disturbing truth about the club, Isabel realizes her innocent crush is connected to a dark and shared past. The film stars Jorrybell Agoto, Carmen Castellanos, Teroy Guzman, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Isabel Sicat, and Nour Houshmand. It is having its world premiere and is available to view online.

Hold On To Me (Κράτα Με) is a film from Cyprus, Denmark, and Greece directed, written, and produced by Myrsini Aristidou, with Monica Nicolaidou as a producer. The story centers on 11-year-old Iris, who discovers her long-lost father, Aris, has returned for his father’s funeral. She seeks him out at a run-down shipyard, hoping to connect, and a delicate relationship begins to develop. The film stars Christos Passalis and Maria Petrova, and is having its world premiere, available for public viewing online.

The Huntress (La Cazadora) is a film from Mexico and the U.S.A., directed and written by Suzanne Andrews Correa, and produced by Gabriela Maire, Edher Campos, and Mynette Louie. Set in the border city of Juárez, Mexico—a place where violence against women often goes unpunished—the film tells the story of an unexpected hero who fights for change. It’s based on real events and stars Adriana Paz, Teresa Sánchez, Jennifer Trejo, Eme Malafe, and Guillermo Alonso. This is its world premiere and it’s available to watch online.

I just heard about this new film, Lady, and it sounds amazing! It’s set in Lagos, Nigeria, and follows a really strong, independent taxi driver who gets drawn into the lives of these incredible sex workers. It seems like their friendship really changes her life, taking her on a wild ride of both danger and happiness. The cast includes Jessica Gabriel as Ujah, along with Amanda Oruh, Tinuade Jemiseye, and some other fantastic names like Seun Kuti. I’m so excited it’s having its world premiere and that we can all watch it online!

Levitating, a film from Indonesia, Singapore, and France, is directed and written by Wregas Bhanuteja, with additional writing by Defi Mahendra and Alicia Angelina. Produced by Siera Tamihardja, Iman Usman, and Amalia Rusdi, the story follows Bayu, who wants to become a shaman at a trance party to earn money and save his home from foreclosure. The film stars Angga Yunanda, Anggun C Sasmi, Maudy Ayunda, Bryan Domani, and Chicco Kurniawan. It had its world premiere and is available to watch online.

Visar Morina directs and wrote the screenplay for ‘Shame and Money,’ with Doruntina Basha as a co-writer. Fabian Altenried, Sophie Ahrens, Kristof Gerega, and Pia Hellenthal produced the film, which comes from Germany, Kosovo, Slovenia, Albania, North Macedonia, and Belgium. The story follows a Kosovar family who must relocate to the capital city after losing their jobs, struggling to find their place in a highly competitive economic system. The film stars Astrit Kabashi, Flonja Kodheli, Kumrije Hoxha, Fiona Gllavica, and Alban Ukaj, and is having its world premiere, available for public viewing online.

In the film Tell Me Everything, set in the late 1980s against the backdrop of pop music and the AIDS crisis, 12-year-old Boaz discovers a shocking secret about his father. This revelation puts a strain on his family, and the film follows Boaz’s years-long effort to understand what happened and rebuild his relationship with his father. Directed and written by Moshe Rosenthal, and produced by Alona Refua, Maya Fischer, Roi Kurland, Ben Giladi, Emilie Georges, and Naima Abed, the film stars Yair Mazor, Ido Tako, Assi Cohen, Keren Tzur, Mor Dimri, and Neta Orbach. It will have its world premiere and is available to watch online.

World Cinema Documentary Competition

Sinéad O’Shea directs, writes, and produces this documentary (with Claire McCabe, Harry Vaughn, Katie Holly, and Sigrid Dyekjær) about a surprising story: the son of a very wealthy American family attempts to dismantle the capitalist system he inherited by establishing a communist community in rural Massachusetts. This film, having its world premiere, is available to watch online for the public.

Birds of War, a film from the U.K., Syria, and Lebanon (directed, written, and produced by Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak, with Sonja Henrici as producer), chronicles a 13-year love story between a Lebanese journalist living in London and a Syrian activist and cameraman. The film is told through personal footage captured during times of revolution, war, and exile. This is its world premiere and it is available to watch online.

Closure, a film from Poland directed and produced by Michał Marczak (with producers Monika Braid, Rémi Grellety, Katarzyna Szczerba, and Karolina Marczak), tells the story of a father, Daniel, desperately searching the Vistula River after his teenage son disappears. He’s caught between fearing the worst and hoping for a miracle. This is the film’s first public screening and is available to watch online.

Everybody to Kenmure Street, a documentary directed and produced by Felipe Bustos Sierra with Ciara Barry as producer, recounts a remarkable event from May 2021. A U.K. Home Office raid unexpectedly sparked a powerful display of community solidarity in a diverse Scottish neighborhood. Hundreds of residents mobilized to prevent the deportation of their neighbors, resulting in a successful act of resistance. This film is premiering worldwide and is available for public viewing online.

In the documentary Hanging by a Wire, a school commute becomes a life-or-death situation when a cable car wire breaks in the Himalayan foothills. Eight people, including six young students, are left stranded 900 feet above a deep ravine. With the remaining cable predicted to snap within ten hours, a rescue team urgently works to save them. This film, directed and produced by Mohammed Ali Naqvi and produced by Bilal Sami, is premiering worldwide and available to watch online.

Kikuyu Land, a film from Kenya directed by Andrew H. Brown and Bea Wangondu (with producers Moses Bwayo, Mike Morrisroe, and Joseph Njenga), tells the story of a journalist in Nairobi investigating a land dispute. The investigation uncovers old conflicts and hidden family truths. This is its world premiere and is available to watch online.

One In A Million, directed by Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes and produced by Raney Aronson-Rath, Will Anderson, James Bluemel, and Andrew Palmer, is a powerful film following a young girl’s decade-long journey from Syria to Germany and back. It shows the challenges and emotional toll of being a refugee, as she and her family face war, displacement, and loss in a new country. This film is premiering now and is available to watch online for the public.

Sentient, a documentary directed and written by Tony Jones (with Rachel Grierson-Johns), and produced by Ivan O’Mahoney, explores the ethical concerns surrounding animal research. It follows Dr. Lisa Jones Engel, a former primatologist now dedicated to animal welfare, and questions whether the potential benefits of scientific research outweigh the harm caused to animals – and potentially to humans as well. This film is premiering worldwide and is available to watch online.

Silenced, directed by Selina Miles and produced by Blayke Hoffman, follows international human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson as she battles the misuse of defamation laws to keep survivors of gender violence from speaking out. This film premiered online and is available for public viewing.

To Hold a Mountain, a film from Serbia, France, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Croatia (directed, written, and produced by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić, with producers Quentin Laurent and Rok Biček), tells the story of a mother and daughter in the remote mountains of Montenegro. They are determined to protect their family’s land from being used as a NATO training ground, a conflict that brings back painful memories of past violence. This is the film’s first public showing and it is available to watch online.

Aanikoobijigan, a documentary by Adam and Zack Khalil, explores the journey of ancestral remains as tribal specialists work to reclaim and rebury them. The film reveals the complex intersection of history, spirituality, and law, and examines the beliefs that originally led to the collection of Indigenous remains. It follows these ancestors as they seemingly transcend time and space to return home. The film premiered online and is available for public viewing.

BURN, a Japanese film directed and written by Makoto Nagahisa (produced by Yasuo Suzuki, Kazunori Seki, and Takeyasu Koganezawa), tells the story of Ju-Ju, a teenage runaway who finds acceptance with a group of unconventional young people in Kabukicho. However, when she’s betrayed, their safe space turns into a trap, and she feels she has only one option to regain power. Starring Nana Mori, this fictional film is premiering online and is available for public viewing.

Valerie Veatch’s documentary, Ghost in the Machine, explores the surprising roots of artificial intelligence, arguing that its true beginnings aren’t technological, but rather tied to the pursuit of power. The film uncovers the dreams and illusions that fueled the development of AI and considers its future. It’s a world premiere and is available to watch online.

Walter Thompson-Hernández directs and wrote “If I Go Will They Miss Me,” produced by Josh Peters, Saba Zerehi, and Ben Stillman. The film centers on 12-year-old Lil Ant, who starts experiencing strange visions of boys in his neighborhood, which ultimately help him connect with his father. It explores themes of family, heritage, and the importance of community. Starring Danielle Brooks and J. Alphonse Nicholson, this fictional short film had its world premiere and is available to watch online.

The Incomer, a U.K. film directed and written by Louis Paxton and produced by Shirley O’Connor and Emily Gotto, tells the story of siblings Isla and Sandy who live a secluded life on a remote Scottish island. They hunt birds, interact with creatures from myth, and defend their home from strangers. Their world is disrupted when Daniel, a clumsy government official, arrives with plans to move them. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, Grant O’Rourke, Emun Elliott, Michelle Gomez, and John Hannah. It had its world premiere and is available online for public viewing.

Jaripeo, a documentary filmed in Mexico, the U.S.A., and France (directed by Efraín Mojica and Rebecca Zweig, produced by Sarah Strunin), explores the world of Michoacán’s traditional rodeos. The film delves into themes of memory, queer desire, and the complex feelings of leaving one’s home, ultimately confronting both the pain and beauty of the past. This is its world premiere and it is available to watch online.

Night Nurse, a new film directed, written, and produced by Georgia Bernstein (with producers Edwin Linker, Liane Cunje, Veronica Barbosa, and Lucy Rogers), follows a hopeful nurse who gets caught up in a mystery surrounding one of her patients. The story unfolds as unsettling scam calls disrupt the peace of a quiet retirement community. Starring Cemre Paksoy, Bruce McKenzie, Eléonore Hendricks, Colleen Rose Trundy, and Mimi Rogers, this fictional film is premiering online and is available for public viewing.

TheyDream, a documentary from the U.S.A. directed, written, and produced by William David Caballero, with additional screenwriting and producing by Erin Ploss-Campoamor and Elaine del Valle, and produced by Brad Jones, follows a filmmaker and his mother as they cope with significant losses within their Puerto Rican family. They use animation to remember and celebrate their loved ones, realizing that creating art can also be a way to say goodbye. This is its world premiere and it’s available to watch online.

Directed and written by Kogonada, with producers including Chung An, Christopher Radcliff, Benjamin Loeb, Haley Lu Richardson, Michelle Mao, and Jin Ha, zi is a film set in Hong Kong. It follows a young woman who experiences visions of her future and encounters a mysterious stranger, an event that could alter her life. Starring Michelle Mao, Haley Lu Richardson, and Jin Ha, this fictional film had its world premiere and is available to view online.

Premieres

The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist is a documentary directed by Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell, and produced by Daniel Kwan, Jonathan Wang, Shane Boris, Diane Becker, and Ted Tremper. The film follows a soon-to-be father as he grapples with the rapid development of artificial intelligence, examining both the potential risks and incredible possibilities of this groundbreaking technology. It had its world premiere and explores these themes through a documentary lens.

Courtney Love, the iconic singer, songwriter, and actress, has always been a powerful force in music and pop culture. In this new documentary, directed by Edward Lovelace and James Hall, and produced by Julia Nottingham, Melanie Archer, Hattie Bridges Webb, and Jon Lullo, Courtney shares her story with raw honesty and without holding back. Having been sober for a while and preparing to release her first new music in over ten years, she’s ready to open up like never before. This is its world premiere.

This documentary, directed by Alexandria Stapleton, tells the story of Brittney Griner, a top basketball player who found herself playing overseas and then tragically detained. It details the events leading to her detainment, her fight for freedom, and her efforts to help other Americans wrongfully held abroad. This is its world premiere.

In the film Chasing Summer, Jamie unexpectedly returns to her Texas hometown after experiencing job loss and a breakup. There, she reconnects with people from a memorable summer in high school, and her life is quickly turned upside down. Directed by Josephine Decker and written by Iliza Shlesinger, the film stars Iliza Shlesinger, Garrett Wareing, Lola Tung, Cassidy Freeman, Tom Welling, and Megan Mullally. It recently had its world premiere and is available to watch online.

This documentary follows an ambitious and determined individual who manages to join the inner circle of the Wu-Tang Clan. It chronicles how his drive and creative talents contribute to an album expected to spark worldwide debate. This is its world premiere.

Frank & Louis, a Swiss/U.K. production directed and co-written by Petra Biondina Volpe (with Esther Bernstorff), and produced by Reto Schaerli and Lukas Hobi, tells the story of Frank, a prisoner serving a life sentence. He finds work caring for elderly inmates with Alzheimer’s and dementia, hoping it will improve his chances of parole. However, his relationship with a fellow inmate, Louis, unexpectedly leads to a deep connection and offers Frank a path toward redemption within the harsh prison environment. The film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rob Morgan, René Pérez Joglar, Rosalind Eleazar, and Indira Varma. This is its world premiere, and it is a work of fiction.

Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is a new American comedy film directed, written, and produced by David Wain. Ken Marino co-wrote the screenplay and also produces, alongside Anthony Bregman, Peter Cron, Crystine Zhang, and Charles Zhong. The film centers on Gail Daughtry, a woman whose fiancé is taking advantage of a clause in their relationship allowing him to have a ‘free celebrity pass.’ When their relationship falters, Gail embarks on a cross-country adventure to Hollywood to get even. The film stars Zoey Deutch, Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Ken Marino, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Ben Wang. It is a fictional work and is having its world premiere.

The Gallerist, a film from the U.S.A. and France directed and co-written by Cathy Yan (with James Pedersen), follows a gallery owner who resorts to extreme measures – attempting to sell a corpse at the prestigious Art Basel Miami – to solve a desperate situation. The film stars Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Sterling K. Brown, Zach Galifianakis, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. This is its world premiere, and it is a work of fiction.

Billie Jean King, a pioneering tennis champion, significantly impacted both sports and culture. The documentary Give Me the Ball!, directed by Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff, uses rare archival footage and personal interviews to explore how King prioritized making a difference in the world, even at personal cost. This is its world premiere.

In this documentary, filmmaker John Wilson jokingly attempts to apply the formula for creating a successful Hallmark movie to the surprisingly interesting topic of concrete. After attending a workshop on making and selling these types of films, he tries to sell a documentary about concrete using the same techniques. This is its world premiere.

Gregg Araki and Karley Sciortino directed and wrote the film I Want Your Sex, with additional producers Seth Caplan, Teddy Schwarzman, Michael Heimler, and Courtney L. Cunniff. The movie follows Elliot, a naive newcomer, who begins working for the alluring artist Erika Tracy. She chooses him as her inspiration, leading him into a complex world of intense sexuality, obsession, shifting power dynamics, betrayal, and ultimately, murder. The film stars Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Daveed Diggs, and Charli xcx. It had its world premiere as a fictional work.

Directed by Andrew Stanton and written by Colby Day, with production by Jared Ian Goldman, In The Blink of An Eye is a fictional film that won the 2026 Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize. The story weaves together three different narratives across millennia, exploring themes of hope, human connection, and the cyclical nature of life. The film stars Rashida Jones, Kate McKinnon, Daveed Diggs, Jorge Vargas, and Tanaya Beatty and had its world premiere recently.

Olivia Wilde directs “The Invite,” a new film written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack and produced by David Permut, Ben Browning, and Megan Ellison. The story centers on Joe and Angela, a couple facing relationship troubles, whose dinner party with upstairs neighbors quickly spirals out of control. The film stars Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, and had its world premiere as a fictional work.

In this documentary, Jane Elliott Against the World, viewers meet a retired Iowa teacher who gained national attention in 1968 for a powerful lesson on discrimination she led with her third-grade class. Now approaching her 90s, Jane Elliott continues to be a vocal advocate against racism and injustice, speaking out on current debates about race, history, and power. The film had its world premiere and is available online for public viewing.

The documentary Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie, directed by Alex Gibney, chronicles the remarkable journey of Salman Rushdie following the attack on his life. Featuring previously unreleased footage captured by his wife, Rachel Elizabeth Griffiths, the film details not only his physical recovery but also his emotional and spiritual healing. It’s inspired by Rushdie’s memoir, Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, and will have its world premiere as a documentary.

“The Last First: Winter K2” is a documentary about the dangerous attempt to be the first to summit K2 in winter, a climb that tragically resulted in five deaths. The film explores the increasing pressures of commercial interests and social media on mountaineering, and reveals existing tensions within the climbing community between established and marginalized climbers. It premiered recently.

Directed and written by Aidan Zamiri, with additional writing by Bertie Brandes and produced by Charli xcx and David Hinojosa, The Moment follows a pop star as she deals with the challenges of rising fame and preparing for her first major arena tour. The film stars Charli xcx, Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Hailey Benton Gates, and Alexander Skarsgård. This is its world premiere and is a work of fiction.

This documentary, The Oldest Person in the World, directed by Sam Green and produced by Alison Byrne Fields and Josh Penn, follows the lives of people who held the title of the world’s oldest person over ten years. It starts as a look at long life but evolves into a thoughtful exploration of time, luck, and the beauty of the human experience. This is its world premiere.

Once Upon A Time In Harlem is a documentary film directed and produced by William Greaves, David Greaves, Liani Greaves, and Anne de Mare. The film showcases a remarkable 1972 party organized by Greaves, bringing together prominent figures from the Harlem Renaissance, and is considered by him to be his most significant work. It is premiering at this event, a decade after his passing.

Directed and written by Noah Segan, and produced by Katie McNeill, Leopold Hughes, and Ben LeClair, the film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York follows a seasoned pickpocket who must retrieve stolen items after a robbery goes wrong. The film stars John Turturro, Giancarlo Esposito, Will Price, Tatiana Maslany, and Steve Buscemi. This is a fictional film having its world premiere.

“Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story” is a documentary directed by Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley. It follows comedian Maria Bamford as she bravely uses her experiences with mental health as the basis for her comedy. The film is both hilariously funny and deeply inspiring, showing how Bamford turns personal struggles into a powerful and creative force through honest storytelling. It will have its world premiere soon.

Directed by Rory Kennedy, the documentary Queen of Chess tells the story of Judit Polgár, a Hungarian chess prodigy. The film follows her 15-year pursuit to compete with and defeat world champion Garry Kasparov, and how she challenged the male-dominated world of chess to become the greatest female player of all time. It’s a story of overcoming obstacles and revolutionizing a traditionally patriarchal sport. This is its world premiere.

Directed and produced by Jay Duplass, and written and produced by Adam Cayton-Holland, See You When I See You tells the story of a comedy writer grappling with PTSD following his sister’s death, with support from his family. The film stars Cooper Raiff, David Duchovny, Kaitlyn Dever, Hope Davis, Lucy Boynton, and Ariela Barer. This is its world premiere and it is a fictional narrative.

Directed and written by Macon Blair, and produced by Alex Orr, Brandon James, Nathan Klingher, Mark Fasano, Josh Harris, and Ford Corbett, The Shitheads follows two inexperienced guys hired to transport a wealthy teenager to a rehabilitation facility. What starts as a simple job quickly turns chaotic and dangerous. The film stars Dave Franco, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Mason Thames, Kiernan Shipka, Nicholas Braun, and Peter Dinklage. This is a fictional film having its world premiere.

In the documentary Time and Water, Icelandic writer Andri Snær Magnason explores the disappearance of his country’s glaciers and the recent loss of his grandparents. He uses personal archives to create a poignant record of what’s being lost – family history, memories, and the vital element of water itself. Directed, written, and produced by Sara Dosa, with contributions from Jocelyne Chaput, Erin Casper, and Andri Snær Magnason, and produced by Shane Boris, Elijah Stevens, and Jameka Autry, this film premiered online and is available for public viewing.

Troublemaker is a documentary film about the fight against apartheid, told through Nelson Mandela’s own words. The film uses recordings made while he was writing his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. It was directed and produced by Antoine Fuqua, with a screenplay by Michael Toomey Mann. Mac Maharaj, Arthur Landon, Kevin Mann, Mark Bauch, and Thabang Lehobye also served as producers. This is its world premiere.

Directed by Padraic McKinley, The Weight is a fictional drama set in Oregon during the Great Depression. Samuel Murphy is separated from his daughter and forced into a harsh work camp. The warden offers him a chance at freedom – smuggling gold through dangerous terrain – but mistrust among the workers grows, leaving Murphy to grapple with how much he’s willing to risk to reunite with his child. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, and Julia Jones, and had its world premiere recently. Producers include Simon Fields, Nathan Fields, Ryan Hawke, Jonas Katzenstein, and Maximilian Leo. The screenplay is credited to Matthew Booi, Matthew Chapman, and Shelby Gaines.

The documentary, “When A Witness Recants,” directed by Dawn Porter, tells the story of a 1983 murder in Baltimore. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates revisits the case and discovers that three teenagers were wrongly convicted and spent 36 years in prison, profoundly affecting their lives, the witnesses involved, and the entire community. This is its world premiere.

Wicker, a U.S.A. production directed and written by Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer, and produced by Ed Sinclair, Tom Carver, Justin Lothrop, Brad Zimmerman, Ryan Heller, and Lia Buman, tells the story of a fisherwoman who commissions a basketmaker to create a husband for her. The film stars Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki, Marli Siu, and Nabhaan Rizwan. This is its world premiere, and it is a work of fiction.

Midnight

The Best Summer is a documentary featuring immersive, first-person footage of iconic bands like Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Foo Fighters, and more, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal moment in music history. It includes live performances and candid interviews. This film is premiering worldwide and is available to the public online.

Buddy, a new film directed and written by Casper Kelly (with a screenplay by Jamie King), tells the story of a courageous young girl and her friends as they try to escape from within a children’s television show. The film stars Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, Keegan-Michael Key, Michael Shannon, and Patton Oswalt. It had its world premiere and is a work of fiction. Tyler Davidson, Drew Sykes, Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, and Tracy Rosenblum produced the film.

Leviticus, an Australian film directed and written by Adrian Chiarella and produced by Samantha Jennings, Kristina Ceyton, and Hannah Ngo, tells the story of two teenage boys who fall in love but must flee a dangerous force that manifests as their deepest desires—each other. The film stars Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Mia Wasikowska, Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, and Davida McKenzie. This is its world premiere, and it is a work of fiction.

Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant is a New Zealand comedy film directed by Thunderlips. The story follows a young woman who unexpectedly becomes pregnant with an alien baby. She faces challenges from doubting doctors, an unhelpful partner, and her talkative mother, all while trying to get her life back on track. The film stars Hannah Lynch, Yvette Parsons, Arlo Green, and Jackie van Beek. This is its world premiere and it is a work of fiction.

Rock Springs / U.S.A., Canada (Director and Screenwriter: Vera Miao, Producers: Stephen Feder,

Following the loss of her father, a young girl and her family – her mother and grandmother – relocate to a secluded house in a new town. There, she uncovers a dark secret about the town’s past and a frightening presence lurking in the nearby woods. Starring Kelly Marie Tran, Benedict Wong, Jimmy O. Yang, Aria Kim, and Fiona Fu, this fictional film is premiering online and available for public viewing. Directed by Kiri Hart, Poppy Hanks, Greta Talia Fuentes, Jason Michael Berman, and Jordan Moldo.

Saccharine, directed, written, and produced by Natalie Erika James with producers Anna McLeish and Sarah Shaw, is a fictional film that premiered recently. It follows Hana, a medical student heartbroken and haunted by a spirit after trying a strange diet involving consuming human ashes. The film stars Midori Francis, Danielle Macdonald, and Madeleine Madden.

Undertone, a Canadian film directed and written by Ian Tuason (produced by Dan Slater and Cody Calahan), follows the host of a successful paranormal podcast who begins experiencing frightening events after receiving strange recordings. The film stars Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, and Jeff Yung. This is its U.S. premiere and it’s a work of fiction.

Episodic

BAIT, a new six-episode series from the U.K. and U.S.A. (executive producers: Riz Ahmed, Allie Moore, Ben Karlin), follows Shah Latif, an actor facing hardship, as he pursues a career-defining role. The show depicts the chaotic four days that follow, and how his life begins to unravel. The cast includes Riz Ahmed, Guz Khan, Sheeba Chaddha, Sajid Hasan, and Aasiya Sha. The series will have its world premiere with a screening of the first three episodes.

The Screener is a five-episode fictional series created by Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe and produced by Michael J. McGarry and Thomas Cross. A copy of the series leaked from a talent agency. The world premiere features an in-person screening of the first three episodes, starring Shereen Lani Younes, Jon Rudnitsky, B.K. Cannon, Boni Mata, Shaun Brown, and Nicolette Doke.

Fiction Pilot Showcase

Freelance, a new film from the U.S.A. directed by The Turner Brothers and executive produced by Cynthia Turner, Stephen Love Jr., Spence Moore II, and Kevin Fredericks, follows a young filmmaker as he chases his dream of making his first movie. He moves in with a group of equally ambitious friends, all navigating the challenges of a competitive creative industry. These twenty-somethings take on unusual jobs to fund their projects and make ends meet. The film stars Spence Moore II, Lou Young, Lou Ratchett, Bernard “B Nard” Clark, René Vaca, and Elijah Cooper. This is its world premiere and it is a work of fiction.

Soft Boil is an American film directed, written, and produced by Alec Goldberg, with Camille Wormser, Hannah Connery, Clay Susick, Vivian Kerr, and Don Ohmer also producing. The story follows Lulu, who starts a new job as a nanny and quickly realizes her employer isn’t what she anticipated. The film stars Camille Wormser, John Gemberling, Madison Shamoun, Vivian Kerr, and Patrick Tabari. This is its world premiere and it is a fictional narrative.

Worried, a film directed by Nicole Holofcener and executive produced by Tim Foley, Michael B. Clark, Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, and Barry Jenkins, centers on Jules and Poppy, who are their own biggest worries. The film stars Gideon Adlon, Rachel Kaly, Devon Bostick, and Cora Kirk. This is its world premiere and it’s a fictional story.

Nonfiction Pilot Showcase

In “Murder 101,” a decades-old cold case from Tennessee is unexpectedly solved not by seasoned detectives, but by students in a high school sociology class. Directed by Stacey Lee and executive produced by Stephanie Lydecker, Dianne McGunigle, and Jon Watts, this documentary is premiering for the first time.

In “The Oligarch and the Art Dealer,” director Andreas Dalsgaard explores the intense decade-long conflict between art dealer Yves Bouvier and Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev. Bouvier once facilitated the purchase of famous artworks—including pieces by da Vinci and Rothko—for Rybolovlev’s private collection, but he was later accused of a billion-dollar fraud, sparking an all-out war fueled by ambition, damaged relationships, and personal pride. This documentary will have its world premiere.

Spotlight

Broken English is a documentary film about the life of singer and icon Marianne Faithfull. It was directed by Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth, with a screenplay also by Ian Martin and produced by Beth Earl. This is its U.S. premiere.

I recently saw “Tuner,” a really interesting film directed and written by Daniel Roher, with a screenplay contribution from Robert Ramsey. It’s produced by a great team including JoAnne Sellar, Lila Yacoub, Teddy Schwarzman, and Michael Heimler. The story centers around a seriously talented piano tuner who has this incredible ear – it turns out he’s also surprisingly good at cracking safes, which throws his whole life into chaos! The cast is fantastic, featuring Leo Woodall, the legendary Dustin Hoffman, Havana Rose Liu, Lior Raz, Tovah Feldshuh, and even Jean Reno. It’s a fictional story, and I highly recommend checking it out if you enjoy a good thriller.

Family Matinee

Cookie Queens is a documentary following four determined Girl Scouts as they compete to become top sellers during Girl Scout Cookie season. The film explores the surprisingly competitive $800 million cookie business and how these young entrepreneurs balance childhood with ambition. This is its world premiere.

Fing!, a film from Australia and the U.K. directed by Jeffrey Walker and written by David Walliams and Kevin Cecil, tells the story of the Meeks family. They must fight a spoiled viscount to protect their unique, one-eyed pet, Fing, from those who want to take advantage of him. The film stars Mia Wasikowska, Blake Harrison, David Walliams, Iona Bell, Penelope Wilton, and Taika Waititi. It had its world premiere and is a work of fiction.

Special Screenings

Mark Cousins directs and John Archer produces this film, which explores the history of documentary filmmaking. It looks at both famous and lesser-known documentaries, and how this film style has shaped our understanding of the world. This is its world premiere.

2025-12-10 20:08