Park City, Utah, December 11, 2025
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 22 to February 1, marking the last edition in Park City before relocating to Boulder, Colorado. This year, the festival features an impressive selection of 90 films, with 40% directed by first-time filmmakers, showcasing vibrant storytelling and artistic innovation. Notable films include Charli XCX’s acting debut and impactful documentaries addressing global issues. Additionally, legacy screenings will honor founder Robert Redford, celebrating over 40 years of film in Park City.
PARK CITY, Utah
Sundance Film Festival Announces 2026 Lineup for Final Utah Edition
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival is set to unfold from January 22 to February 1, marking the end of an era as the festival bids farewell to Park City, Utah. In 2027, it will relocate to Boulder, Colorado. This year, the festival promises a rich selection of films, showcasing 90 feature films selected from over 4,000 submissions, with an impressive 40% directed by first-time filmmakers. This level of participation demonstrates not only the festival’s enduring appeal but also the vibrant spirit of innovation driving the independent film industry.
Established in 1978 by Robert Redford, the Sundance Film Festival has become synonymous with groundbreaking storytelling and artistic expression. This year’s lineup reflects a commitment to both established talent and emerging voices, paving the way for the next generation of filmmakers. As local businesses gear up for this influx of visitors and the spotlight on Park City, there are intrinsic opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive, supporting a wider economic base amid the festival hustle.
Notable Films and Talent
Among the most anticipated films in the lineup is pop artist Charli XCX’s acting debut in three films. Her projects include:
– The Moment: A mockumentary where she portrays a version of herself.
– The Gallerist: A dark comedy thriller co-starring Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega.
– I Want Your Sex: An erotic thriller directed by Gregg Araki, featuring Cooper Hoffman and Olivia Wilde.
Other notable films generating excitement include:
– The Weight: A 1930s drama about gold smuggling, starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe.
– Carousel: A romantic drama featuring Chris Pine and Jenny Slate.
– Levitating: A supernatural drama directed by Wregas Bhanuteja, set in a community with trance parties.
The blend of big names and original storytelling sets the stage for a thrilling festival, drawing attention not only to their work but also to the surrounding businesses and local culture.
Documentaries Addressing Global Issues
This year’s documentary lineup presents a range of critical global issues, including:
– Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie: Directed by Alex Gibney, featuring unseen footage captured by Rushdie’s wife during his recovery from the 2022 attack.
– When A Witness Recants: Author Ta-Nehisi Coates revisits the 1983 murder case of a boy in Baltimore.
– American Doctor: A look at three professionals trying to help in Gaza.
– All About the Money: Exploring the life of heir-turned-communist Fergie Chambers.
– The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist: An exploration of artificial intelligence.
– Sentient: A film focusing on the ethics of animal testing.
These documentaries not only foster important conversations but also offer insights and opportunities for local businesses to engage with new audiences interested in social issues.
Emerging Talent and International Films
The festival gives a platform to promising new filmmakers, spotlighting their unique perspectives:
– Josephine by Beth de Araújo: A coming-of-age story about an 8-year-old who witnesses a crime, starring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan.
– Extra Geography by Molly Manners: A comedy about boarding school friends in England.
– LADY by Olive Nwosu: A first feature about a cab driver in Lagos.
– Levitating: Wregas Bhanuteja’s queer genre film set in a community with trance parties.
By elevating new voices in filmmaking, the festival fosters an environment in which creativity thrives, potentially inspiring local entrepreneurs and attracting investment in the arts and creative sectors.
Legacy and Online Accessibility
As the festival pays tribute to its late founder Robert Redford, the organizers have planned legacy screenings to celebrate over 40 years of cinematic excellence in Park City. Additionally, to widen the festival’s reach, competition titles will also be made available online, making it easier for audiences across the nation to participate and engage with the festival’s offerings.
Festival Details
Attendees can look forward to a packed schedule from January 22 to February 1, 2026, in both Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. The blend of local flavor and cinematic achievement makes this year’s festival a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and business owners alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sundance Film Festival 2026 lineup?
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will showcase 90 feature films selected from over 4,000 submissions, with 40% directed by first-time filmmakers. Notable films include ‘The Moment,’ ‘The Gallerist,’ and ‘I Want Your Sex,’ featuring Charli XCX, Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, and Olivia Wilde. Documentaries such as ‘Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie’ and ‘When A Witness Recants’ will also be featured. The festival will honor its late founder, Robert Redford, with legacy screenings and a celebration of its 40 years in Park City. Competition titles will be available online for wider access. The festival is scheduled from January 22 to February 1, 2026, in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Who are the notable filmmakers and actors featured in the 2026 Sundance Film Festival lineup?
Notable filmmakers and actors featured in the 2026 Sundance Film Festival lineup include Charli XCX, Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Olivia Wilde, Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, Chris Pine, Jenny Slate, and Wregas Bhanuteja. These artists are involved in various films across different genres, including mockumentaries, dark comedies, romantic dramas, and supernatural dramas.
What documentaries are included in the 2026 Sundance Film Festival lineup?
The documentary lineup for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival includes ‘Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie,’ directed by Alex Gibney, featuring unseen footage captured by Rushdie’s wife during his recovery from the 2022 attack; ‘When A Witness Recants,’ where author Ta-Nehisi Coates revisits the 1983 murder case of a boy in Baltimore; ‘American Doctor,’ following three professionals trying to help in Gaza; ‘All About the Money,’ examining the life of heir-turned-communist Fergie Chambers; ‘The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist,’ exploring artificial intelligence; and ‘Sentient,’ focusing on animal testing.
Who are the emerging filmmakers featured in the 2026 Sundance Film Festival lineup?
Emerging filmmakers featured in the 2026 Sundance Film Festival lineup include Beth de Araújo, with ‘Josephine,’ about an 8-year-old who witnesses a crime, starring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan; Molly Manners, with ‘Extra Geography,’ a comedy about boarding school friends in England; Olive Nwosu, with ‘LADY,’ a first feature about a cab driver in Lagos; and Wregas Bhanuteja, with ‘Levitating,’ a queer genre film set in a community with trance parties.
What is the significance of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival?
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival is significant as it marks the final edition hosted in Park City, Utah, before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. The festival will honor its late founder, Robert Redford, with legacy screenings and a celebration of its 40 years in Park City. Competition titles will also be available online for wider access.
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