Sundance has announced its 2023 line-up, and 14 films made by WMM filmmakers and Program alum are premiering, including 7 films from the WMM Production Assistance program! We are excited to see these transformative films on the big screen in Utah. WMM filmmakers, films, and program alum will show in the following categories:
U.S. Documentary Competition: more than a third films in this category are by WMM filmmakers and program alum!
- GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT, the new film from Michèle Stephenson (dir. of WMM release STATELESS) and made with the support of the Production Assistance Program, takes us on a journey through the dreamscape of legendary poet Nikki Giovanni as she reflects on her life and legacy.
- In JOONAM (dir. Sierra Urich), made with the support of the WMM Production Assistance Program, a young filmmaker – spurred by a provocative family memory and a lifetime of separation from the country her mother left behind – delves into her mother and her grandmother’s complicated pasts and her own fractured Iranian Identity.
- LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING (dir. Lisa Cortés), made with the support of the WMM Production Assistance Program, celebrates Little Richard and reveals the Black queer origins of rock and roll.
- VICTIM/SUSPECT, a new film from Program alum Nancy Schwartzman, explores what happens when young women report sexual assaults to the police.
World Cinema Documentary Competition:
- MILISUTHANDO (dir. Milisuthando Bongela), made with the support of the WMM Production Assistance Program, is an invitation into a poetic, memory-driven exploration of love, intimacy, race, and belonging by the filmmaker, who grew up in South Africa during apartheid but didn’t know it was happening until it was over.
- THE ETERNAL MEMORY, directed by Program alum Maite Alberdi, explores a husband’s decent into Alzheimer’s disease.
Premieres:
- INVISIBLE BEAUTY (dir. Bethann Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng), made with the assistance of the WMM Production Assistance Program, is a profile of fashion revolutionary Bethann Hardison as she looks back on her journey as pioneering Black model, modeling agent, and activist.
- IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL (dir. Alexandria Bombach), made with the assistance of the WMM Production Assistance Program, will be one of the select films to open the festival and screen on day one! The film offers a timely look into the obstacles, activism, and life lessons faced by Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of iconic folk rock duo Indigo Girls.
- JUDY BLOOM FOREVER, co-directed by Program alum Davina Pardo, profiles the popular and radical young adult author.
- PRETTY BABY: BROOKE SHIELDS, directed by Program alum Lana Wilson, is a portrait of the icon Brooke Shields.
Dramatic Competition:
- FANCY DANCE, produced by WMM filmmaker Heather Rae (PAULETTE).
Documentary Short Film Program:
- UNDER G_D, directed by WMM filmmaker Paula Eiselt (93QUEEN).
Short Film Program 2:
- REST STOP, produced by PA filmmaker Jalena Keane-Lee (STANDING ABOVE THE CLOUDS).
Short Film Program 6:
- TAKE ME HOME (dir. Liz Sargent), made with assistance of the WMM Production Assistance Program, is about a cognitively disabled woman and her estranged sister who, after their mother’s death, must learn to communicate in order to move forward.
The festival runs January 20th through January 30th, 2023. To view the full program, click here.
Congratulations to all — we can’t wait to see your latest projects!
