Category Archives: Sundance

2021 Sundance Docs in Focus: FLEE

Courtesy of Sundance Institute


FLEE
Jonas Poher Rasmussen tells the affecting story of a former refugee who must confront the traumas of his past to move forward with his life.

Festival Section:
World Cinema Documentary Competition (Day One film)

Country:
Denmark/France/Sweden/Norway

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On VOD: ASSASSINS

Coming to VOD this Friday, January 15:
ASSASSINS

Director:
Ryan White

World Premiere:
Sundance 2020

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Zurich, Warsaw, Stockholm, Full Frame, Double Exposure, Hot Docs, Brisbane, Hawai’i

About:
An investigation of the bizarre story behind the brazen assassination of the half-brother of Kim Jong-un.

My pre-Sundance profile of the doc may be found here.

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2021 Sundance Docs in Focus: FAYA DAYI

Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Jessica Beshir


FAYA DAYI
Jessica Beshir crafts a poetic, sensorial journey into the highlands of Harar in eastern Ethiopia, the birthplace of khat.

Festival Section:
World Cinema Documentary Competition

Country:
Ethiopia/USA/Qatar

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2021 Sundance Docs in Focus: CAPTAINS OF ZAATARI

Courtesy of Sundance Institute


CAPTAINS OF ZAATARI
Ali El Arabi follows the soccer dreams of two teenage best friends living in the titular Syrian refugee camp.

Festival Section:
World Cinema Documentary Competition

Country:
Egypt

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2021 Sundance Docs in Focus: USERS

Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Natalia Almada


USERS
Natalia Almada offers a thought-provoking essay about the unexpected consequences of our dependence on technology.

Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition

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On DVD: A THOUSAND CUTS

Coming to DVD today, Tuesday, January 12:
A THOUSAND CUTS

Director:
Ramona Diaz

World Premiere:
Sundance 2020

Select Festivals:
Hot Docs, SXSW, AFI Docs, Full Frame, San Francisco, Cleveland

About:
A chilling look at the assault on fundamental democratic freedoms in the Philippines.

My pre-Sundance profile of the doc may be found here.

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2021 Sundance Docs in Focus: TRY HARDER!

Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Lou Nakasako


TRY HARDER!
Debbie Lum follows the graduating class of a competitive San Francisco High School through its college application process.

Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition

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2021 Sundance Docs in Focus: SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)

Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Mass Distraction Media


SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson revisits a long overlooked piece of Black music history.

Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition (Day One film)

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2021 Sundance Docs in Focus: RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT

Courtesy of Sundance Institute


RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT
Mariem Pérez Riera profiles the pioneering, EGOT-winning star of stage and screen.

Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition

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On VOD: THE DISSIDENT

Coming to VOD today, Friday, January 8:
THE DISSIDENT

Director:
Bryan Fogel

World Premiere:
Sundance 2020

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Hot Docs, Zurich, Aspen, Savannah, Stockholm

About:
An investigation of the shocking murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

My pre-Sundance profile of the doc may be found here.

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Filed under Documentary, Film, Film Festivals, Recommendations, Releases, Sundance