Sundance Film Festival: CDMX 2025 Announced

Posted on April 30, 2025 by admin

Cinépolis, the leading film exhibition company in Mexico and Latin America, and the Sundance Institute, the nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences and host of the Sundance Film Festival, have partnered for the second edition of Sundance Film Festival: CDMX 2025, as well as upcoming editions in 2026 and 2027. This year’s festival will take place from May 29 to June 1, 2025 in Mexico City, with Cinépolis Diana as the main venue, complemented by Cinépolis Carso, Cinépolis Mítikah, and Cinépolis Oasis Coyoacán.

“Following the launch of Sundance Film Festival: CDMX last year, we are delighted to be returning to audiences in Mexico City and further engaging with the local film community,” said Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute Acting CEO. “Along with our valued partner Cinépolis, it is an honor to be celebrating independent cinema together again in 2025, and for upcoming editions, as we present this remarkable convening of artists and audiences to discover visionary voices and participate in compelling conversations.”

“The Sundance Film Festival’s return to CDMX in 2025 showcases Cinépolis’ dedication to fostering environments where independent films can reach broader audiences,” said Alejandro Ramírez, CEO of Cinépolis. “We are motivated by the chance for these exceptional movies to inspire future filmmakers and to broaden the dialogue around cinema as a powerful medium for expression and change. And we are proud that our partnership with the Sundance Institute to host Sundance Film Festival: CDMX is extending through 2027.”
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THE MOOGAI: Sundance Horror from the “Talk To Me” Team Sets Release

Posted on April 12, 2025 by admin

Having premiered at Sundance Film Festival with a festival run including screenings at SXSW and Sydney Film Festival, the “Moogai” is set for theatrical release on May 9, 2025.

THE MOOGAI is an Australian horror story produced by Causeway Films, the team behind breakout hits THE BABADOOK and TALK TO ME.

In the film, Sarah and Fergus, a hopeful young Aboriginal couple, give birth to their second baby. But what should be a joyous time of their lives becomes sinister when Sarah starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby. Fergus, who can’t see it but desperately wants to believe her, grows increasingly worried as she becomes more unbalanced. Is the child-stealing spirit real or is she in fact the biggest threat to the safety of their family?

Written and directed by Jon Bell, the film stars Shari Sebbens, Meyne Wyatt, Tessa Rose, Clarence Ryan, with Toby Leonard Moore and Bella Heathcote.

Sundance Institute Announces Boulder, Colorado, as the New Home for the Sundance Film Festival Beginning in 2027

Posted on March 28, 2025 by admin

Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees has announced that Boulder, Colorado, will become the Festival’s home beginning in 2027.

“This decision was informed by a detailed evaluation of the key components essential to creating our Festival. During the process, it became clear that Boulder is the ideal location in which to build our Festival’s future, marking a key strategic step in its natural evolution,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair. “We have a profound appreciation for the finalist cities and their communities — including Boulder, Colorado, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City, Utah — who presented overwhelmingly strong proposals and dedicated their time, passion, and commitment every step of the way. We have deep respect and gratitude to these communities for their hard work and partnership throughout the past year. Additionally, we sincerely value the steadfast support from our staff and board as we have ventured on this exploration together.”

The Sundance Film Festival is the largest artist program of the nonprofit Sundance Institute. Its Artist Programs cultivate a vibrant ecosystem, supporting artists and connecting their work with audiences. The Festival stands as the pre-eminent gathering of original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices, fresh perspectives, and a celebration of independent film and storytelling.

“The Sundance Film Festival is a catalyst for innovation, creative expression, and the discovery of groundbreaking independent films that inspire and shape the future of storytelling. This process provided the opportunity to imagine how we design the Festival while staying true to our programming and mission. We extend our appreciation to the staff, artists, partners, volunteers, and audiences who have and continue to support that mission,” said Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute Acting CEO. “Boulder is an art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town. It is a place where the Festival can build and flourish. This is the beginning of a bold, new journey as we invite everyone to be part of our community and to be entertained and inspired. We can’t imagine a better fit than Boulder.”

“The Ugly Stepsister” Emilie Blichfeldt’s Provocative Satire & Fairytale Horror Sets Release Next Month

Posted on March 11, 2025 by admin

IFC Films and Shudder is set to release “The Ugly Stepsister”, a darkly entertaining fairy tale horror from writer and director Emilie Blichfeldt in her feature directorial debut.

IFC Films and Shudder will release the film theatrically on April 18th.

The film gathered acclaim at its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Director Emilie Blichfeldt. photo: AIPhoto.com

A sinister twist on the classic Cinderella story, THE UGLY STEPSISTER follows Elvira (Lea Myren) as she prepares to earn the prince’s affection at any cost. In a kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira will compete with the beautiful and enchanting Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) to become the belle of the ball. A biting satire and cinematically exhilarating directorial debut, THE UGLY STEPSISTER is a timely examination of body image and beauty standards, identifying Emilie Blichfeldt as one of the most exciting new international filmmaking voices.

Leading to its premiere at Sundance, the “tongue-in-cheek body horror” has been one of the festival’s buzziest titles.

The film’s cast includes Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, Flo Fagerli, Isac Calmroth, and Malte Gårdinger.

Sideshow and Janus Films Acquire All North American Rights to Ira Sachs’s Sundance Standout PETER HUJAR’S DAY

Posted on February 5, 2025 by admin

Sideshow and Janus Films announced today that they have acquired North American rights to PETER HUJAR’S DAY, the highly acclaimed new film by Ira Sachs (PASSAGES, KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, LOVE IS STRANGE) which was a standout at the Sundance Film Festival where it screened in the Premieres section. It stars Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall. The film will next show at the Berlinale in Panorama. Sideshow and Janus Films are planning a Fall theatrical release for the film. SBS will be handling international sales for the film.

The deal was negotiated by Sideshow and Janus Films with WME Independent. PETER HUJAR’S DAY was produced by Jordan Drake and Jonah Disend, and co-produced by Fred Burle and Aaron Craig. The film is a Complementary Colors, Blink Productions & Primo Content Presentation in association with We Are Films & Materia Cinema, and a Jordan Drake & One Two Films Production based on the book Peter Hujar’s Day by Linda Rosenkrantz.

Ira Sachs said, “Sideshow and Janus Films represent a commitment to the kind of cinema that has meant the most to me, as audience and as filmmaker.” He continued, “To be a part of their future makes me feel both young and old, and full of hope both for this film and for the movies.”
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Come See Me in the Good Light Wins Festival Favorite Award at 2025 Sundance Film Festival

Posted on February 2, 2025 by admin

2026 Sundance Film Festival Dates Also Revealed.

Today the Sundance Film Festival announced its final award for the 2025 edition: Come See Me in the Good Light in the Premieres category received the Festival Favorite Award, voted for by the audiences from all the new feature films presented at the 2025 Festival. Other award winners were previously announced at a ceremony at The Ray Theatre in Park City, Utah, on January 31.

Looking ahead to next year, Sundance Institute also announced today the dates for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, taking place in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, from January 22–February 1, 2026.

“The past 11 days of the Festival have been a meaningful opportunity to connect as a community in support of independent storytelling,” said Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO, Sundance Institute. “We look forward to being reunited with audiences, artists, industry, and press next January for another edition of the Festival.”
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2025 Sundance Film Festival Award Winners Announced

Posted on January 31, 2025 by admin

Today the 2025 Sundance Film Festival awards were presented at a ceremony for the jury and audience award–winning films at The Ray Theatre in Park City, where independent storytelling was celebrated ahead of the Festival’s conclusion. The 2025 Festival, taking place now through February 2, has featured premieres, screenings, talks, events, and more in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. All feature award-winning films are available online nationwide now through February 2. Select award-winning films will screen in person for ticketholders and passholders. Tickets can be purchased at festival.sundance.org/tickets.

Grand Jury Prizes went to Atropia (U.S. Dramatic Competition), Seeds (U.S. Documentary Competition), Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) (World Cinema Dramatic Competition), and Cutting Through Rocks (اوزاک یوللار) (World Cinema Documentary Competition). The NEXT Innovator Award presented by Adobe was given to Zodiac Killer Project.

Audience awards for films in competition were presented by Acura to Twinless (U.S. Dramatic Competition) and André is an Idiot (U.S. Documentary Competition) and presented by United Airlines to DJ Ahmet (World Cinema Dramatic Competition) and Prime Minister (World Cinema Documentary Competition). East of Wall won the audience award for NEXT presented by Adobe. Awards for the Short Film Program Presented by Vimeo were announced at a ceremony on January 28 at The Park in Park City, Utah.
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2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Program Award Winners Announced

Posted on January 28, 2025 by admin

Tonight the nonprofit Sundance Institute awarded the prizes for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Program at the Short Film Awards Ceremony & Party Presented by Vimeo. Filmmakers from across all 57 shorts selected for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival gathered at The Park in Park City, Utah, for a private event celebrating short-form storytelling. Most award-winning short films are available online nationwide January 30 through February 2 for audiences to view from home. Visit festival.sundance.org for all details. The 2025 Festival, taking place now through February 2, has featured world premieres, screenings, talks, events, and more in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Grand Jury Prize went to The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing (International Nonfiction). Short Film Jury Awards were presented to Trokas Duras (U.S. Fiction), Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites (International Fiction), We Were The Scenery (Nonfiction), and Como si la tierra se las hubiera tragado (Animation).

Two Special Jury Awards were also presented: Short Film Special Jury Award for Animation Directing to The Eating of an Orange (Animation) and Short Film Special Jury Award for Directing to Tiger (Nonfiction).
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“Sorry Baby” Sundance Premiere

Posted on January 27, 2025 by admin

“Sorry, Baby” premieres at 2025 Sundance Film Festival with the cast and crew in attendance.

Written and directed by Eva Victor, the film premiered at 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Monday, Jan 27, 2025. “Sorry, Baby” stars Eva alongside Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch, Louis Cancelmi, and Kelly McCormack. The A24 film is produced by Barry Jenkins.

“Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least,” the film’s logline says.

Photos: aipimaging.com

Jennifer Lopez At :Kiss of Spider Woman” Sundance Premiere

Posted on January 26, 2025 by admin

Kiss of the Spider Woman premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 26, 2025, where it received a standing ovation. It was held at the Eccles Center Theatre in Park City, with star Jennifer Lopez and director Bill Condon in attendance.

Lopez, in attendance, sparkled in a bedazzled see-through black long-sleeve gown in the shape of a spider web.

In “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” Lopez stars in the titular role, alongside Diego Luna and Tonatiuh. She plays Aurora, a mysterious and enchanting actress. The films is directed by Bill Condon.

It’s based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Manuel Puig. It was first adapted for the screen in 1985 which starred William Hurt, Raul Julia and Sonia Braga, wherein Hurt won the Oscar for best supporting actor. It was also turned into a Tony-winning Broadway musical in 1993.

The film’s synopsis reads: “Lopez is an astonishing scene-stealer in a career-highlight performance as Luna/Aurora, with showstopping musical numbers that underscore the exuberant prowess of her dancing and voice. Diego Luna delivers unrelenting revolutionary conviction as Valentín, and Tonatiuh gives his Molina a tenderhearted power and theatrical flair.”

Photos: aipimaging.com