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Here is the complete list of films. The Sundance Institute announced today the lineup of films selected to screen in the U.S. and World Cinema Dramatic and Documentary Competitions for the 25th Sundance Film Festival. In addition to the four Competition categories, the Festival presents films in five out-of-competition sections to be announced tomorrow. It's a star-studded assembly of actors including Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, Chris Rock, Kevin Bacon, Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham, Timothy Hutton, Paul Giamatti, David Strathairn, Emily Watson, Alan Cumming, Sandra Bernhard as well as name singers Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey. The 2009 Sundance Film Festival runs January 15-25 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah.
"This year's films are not narrowly defined. Instead we have a blurring of genres, a crossing of boundaries: geographic, generational, socio-economic and the like," said Geoffrey Gilmore, Director, Sundance Film Festival. "The result is both an exhilarating and emotive Festival in which traditional mythologies are suspended, discoveries are made, and creative storytelling is embraced." [Meanwhile, Gilmore received the First Annual Sydney Pollack Award presented by the American Cinematheque honoring "someone who has been of critical importance and continuing influence in non-profit film exhibition, film preservation and/or independent film promotion and distribution - people whose work Sydney supported and found to be so valuable, who are not often recognized for their efforts."]
"Audiences may be surprised by how much emotion this year's films evoke," said John Cooper, Director of Programming, Sundance Film Festival. "We are seeing the next evolution of the independent film movement where films focus on storytelling with a sense of connection and purpose."
For the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, 118 feature-length films were selected including 87 world premieres, 19 North American premieres, and 4 U.S. premieres representing 21 countries with 41 first-time filmmakers, including 28 in competition. These films were selected from 3,661 feature-length film submissions composed of 1,905 U.S. and 1,756 international feature-length films.
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I hope that Sundance 2010 will be in Aspen or some other place that isn’t Utah.
As dissapointing, uninspired, behind-the-curve and rigged as always. This lineup of films does not reflect or capture what’s really going on in the most exciting American independent/underground feature films and short films. This festival is no longer exciting or relevant. Time for new blood.
I don’t think there will be a boycott of Sundance this year.
GLAAD’s Queer Lounge is returning to their same space on Main Street. I think there is a general understanding that Sundance has been good for gay cinema.
I’ve been a long time volunteer for Sundance, I’m also pissed about prop 8 passing but I feel that a boycott doesn’t make sense. In my mind it would be better to come to the festival, take a day and go down to SLC and protest at the main temple. You have to understand, Park city with Sundance going on is this liberal bastion in the middle of Utah for 10 days. I believe the church would love for Sundance to go away.
And in regards to Cal’s comment, the new blood is out there already. There’s been a huge explosion of film fests, now some will probably not survive the current climate but you’re hatin’ on Sundance doesn’t make sense.
I agree with Cal Bynum…to me this line up is not indicative of exciting independant cinema at all. My personal opinion, they should ease up on accepting so many films with famous actors in them. It seems to me Sundance has ceased to be a beacon for independant(s) and more a playground for famous actors to do something edgy without getting the fat paycheck. Just seems lame.
Looks like a bunch of bitter bunnies in here. Didn’t make the list?
Edgy. I suppose it’s fun to have Hollywood premieres in a different location once a year.
Every year Geoff Gilmore promises that this is a “new generation” who deliver x type of “new” story — political, emotional, whatever.
“This year’s films are not narrowly defined. Instead we have a blurring of genres,”
They’re all angstfests. It’s a film fest and that’s what film fests are.
Do they have a fact checker? Perhaps those are only typos found on the linked-to web site, though –
- “Let’s Make Money” is not a World Premiere but a North American premiere.
- “Lulu & Jim” also iffy, as its theatrical release date is Jan 22.
Can’t wait to see “An Education”. Nick Hornby is such a cool writer.
Just about the only place name actors can do dramas these days is indie world. So, that’s why you might see names in these films. Name actors are realizing that they have to diversify in order to maintain longevity in their careers — and independent films offer them that opportunity.
Studios have decided, for the near future, to leave drama to independent filmmakers. Instead, studios go for broad comedy, thriller, or blockbuster — but rarely the drama or dramedy.
As far as the location being in Utah. So what?! I think Utah is one of the most beautiful states — let’s go skiing! And to make a stupid, vengeful comment (from Shaun above) like “the church would love for Sundance to go away” is so immature. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a champion of the arts and many, MANY of its members are hardworking, creative, and award-winning members of the industry — many of them being in Hollywood and across the world. There are also many MORE Jews, Catholics, Protestants, and many other religious persuasions who make up the MAJORITY of the business. So let’s not start trouncing on religion here or make this about Prop. 8. Just stop. Sundance is NOT about creating a soapbox for an outside, divisive issue.
Let’s, instead, celebrate creativity, the human spirit, and have a good time with each other. If there is any time we all need to come together in the arts, renew friendships, and make connections it is now. We ALL need positive energy here.
GLAAD is now run by a homophobic gay Republican who has avoided taking any action to fight the rampant hetoersexism in the entertainment industry. No self respecting lesbian, gay man, bisexual, or transgender person will attend.