THE 41st SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL BEGINS
Beginning January 23rd, in what may potentially be one of the last editions in Park City, Utah. The festival has announced it has been scouting for a new venue for 2027 onwards, with the finalists being Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah; Boulder, Colorado; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
This year’s festival will include 88 feature-length films, representing 33 countries, with 37 directors being first-time feature filmmakers.
OPENING THIS WEEK
"Flight Risk" — OPENS TONIGHT AT THE MULTIPLEX
A U.S. marshal boards a small plane to transfer a government witness to New York. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions start to rise as not everyone on the flight is who they appear to be. From director Mel Gibson and starring Mark Wahlberg.
"Presence" — OPENS TONIGHT AT THE MULITPLEX
Premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
A family moves into a suburban house and becomes convinced they're not alone. From director Steven Soderbergh and staring Lucy Liu and Julia Fox.
The film is shot entirely in the first-person perspective.
"Nickel Boys" — OPENS FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 AT THE MICHIGAN
Elwood Curtis' college dreams are shattered when he's sentenced to Nickel Academy, a brutal reformatory in the Jim Crow South. Clinging to his optimistic worldview, Elwood strikes up a friendship with Turner, a fellow Black teen who dispenses fundamental tips for survival.
Starring newcomers Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse, from director RaMell Ross, and based on the novel by Colson Whitehead, which won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
SPECIAL SCREENINGS DOWNTOWN
"Sekigihara" — PLAYS TONIGHT AT 7 PM AT THE MICHIGAN
Part of the Masato Harada: A Life in Cinema Film Series
Sponsored by the University of Michigan Center for Japanese Studies
One of the bloodiest battles in Japanese history plays out in a single day at Sekigahara, with the deaths of 30,000 people.
With director Masato Harada in attendance for an introduction and post-film discussion to kick-off this retrospective of his work.
"The Dark Knight" — PLAYS TONIGHT AT 8 PM AT THE STATE
Part of the Late Night Classics Film Series
With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) has been able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City. But when a vile young criminal calling himself the Joker (Academy Award WINNER Heath Ledger) suddenly throws the town into chaos, the caped Crusader begins to tread a fine line between heroism and vigilantism. From director Christopher Nolan.
"Blue Velvet" — PLAYS FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 AT 9:30 PM AND THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 8 PM AT THE STATE
Part of the Late Night Classics Film Series
Honoring the great David Lynch – The discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child. Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini and Dennis Hopper.
"Kim Dae Jung Must Not Die" — PLAYS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 AT 1 PM AT THE STATE
Part of the Korean Cinema Now! Film Series
Sponsored by the University of Michigan Nam Center for Korean Studies
This documentary is a commemorative work marking the 100th anniversary of President Kim Dae-jung's birth. It chronicles the life of politician Kim Dae-jung, who served as the 15th President of the Republic of Korea, and vividly depicts Kim Dae-jung's turbulent life after he entered politics, having previously been on a smooth path as a young businessman.
"The Royal Tenenbaums" — PLAYS TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 7 PM AT THE MICHIGAN
Part of the Complete Wes Anderson Film Series
Royal Tenenbaum and his wife Etheline had three children and then they separated. All three children are extraordinary --- all geniuses. The film is the story of the family's sudden, unexpected reunion one recent winter.
From writer/director Wes Anderson and starring Owen Wilson (also co-writer), Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Danny Glover, and Bill Murray.
"Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai" — PLAYS THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 7 PM AT THE STATE
Part of the Masato Harara: A Life in Cinema Film Series
Sponsored by the University of Michigan Center for Japanese Studies
Set in the 19th century, the film follows the life of Toshizo Hijikata. He was the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi and fought against the Meiji Restoration. From writer/director Masato Harada.
"Wakhri (One of a Kind)" — PLAYS THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 7 PM AT THE MICHIGAN
Part of the South Asian Cinema: Spotlight on Women Directors Film Series
Sponsored by and presented with the University of Michigan Center for South Asian Studies
Featuring a post-film discussion with director/producer Iram Parveen Bilal! Free and open to the public
A widowed school teacher in Pakistan who becomes a viral sensation overnight when she accidentally unleashes her unabashed opinions on social media. This newfound fame as an unlikely influencer comes with its own challenges as she has to navigate archaic mindsets in a world where women's right to have a voice and own their own space is a constant challenge.
CONTINUING DOWNTOWN
Escaping postwar Europe, visionary architect László Toth (Adrien Brody) arrives in America to rebuild his life, his career, and his marriage. On his own in a strange new country, László settles in Pennsylvania, where the wealthy and prominent industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) recognizes his talent.
From director Brady Corbet ("Vox Lux") and also starring Felicity Jones.
WINNER of the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Drama; Best Actor for Adrien Brody; and Best Director for Brady Corbet, among several other nominations.
Ingrid (Julianne Moore) and Martha (Tilda Swinton) were close friends in their youth, when they worked together at the same magazine. Ingrid went on to become an autofiction novelist while Martha became a war reporter, and they were separated by the circumstances of life. After years of being out of touch, they meet again in an extreme but strangely sweet situation.
From two-time Academy Award writer/director Pedro Almodóvar ("All About My Mother", "Talk to Her" "Parallel Mothers").
22 Palestinian filmmakers living through war capture their lives in Gaza following the attacks on October 7, 2023, revealing stories beyond the headlines. Through a blend of animation, documentary, and fiction, they create a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This film serves as a remarkable reflection of how art can thrive even in the darkest times, showcasing the enduring spirit and creativity that emerge amid ongoing devastation.
Selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, making the December shortlist.
France’s nomination for the Best International Film Oscar.
Edmond Dantes becomes the target of a sinister plot and is arrested on his wedding day for a crime he did not commit. After 14 years in the island prison of Château d'If, he manages a daring escape. Now rich beyond his dreams, he assumes the identity of the Count of Monte-Cristo and exacts his revenge on the three men who betrayed him.
A 2024 French historical action-adventure film based on the 1844 novel by Alexandre Dumas. Written and directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, the film stars Pierre Niney in the role of Edmond Dantès. the film had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. With a budget estimated at €42.9 million, the film is the most expensive French production of 2024. It has sold over 9 million admissions in France, where it is the second highest-grossing film of 2024. Worldwide, it has grossed $100 million and received critical acclaim.
Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 60s, this film follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician Bob Dylan’s (Timothée Chalamet) meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts – his songs and mystique becoming a worldwide sensation – culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
From director James Mangold ("Ford v Ferrari") and also starring Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez.
A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.
From the acclaimed, modern auteur Robert Eggers ("The Witch", "The Lighthouse") and starring Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok with Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Ralph Ineson, and Willem Dafoe.
Selected as the Latvian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
The film follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood. Teaming up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog to navigate a boat in search of dry land, they must rely on trust, courage, and wits to survive the perils of a newly aquatic planet.
A wondrous journey, through realms natural and mystical. An animated spectacle as well as a profound meditation on the fragility of the environment and the spirit of friendship and community.
A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern.
From director Halina Reijn ("Bodies, Bodies, Bodies") and inspired by erotic thrillers of the 1980s and 1990s (i.e. "Body Heat," "Fatal Attraction"). Starring Nicole Kidman, winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at this year’s Venice International Film Festival, and Harris Dickinson.
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