Top Anticipated Films at Sundance 2026
Sundance Film Festival is set to highlight a diverse array of films during its 2026 edition, taking place from January 22 to February 1. This year marks a significant moment as the festival begins its final year in Park City, Utah, before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. The festival promises a rich selection of documentaries, dramas, and genre films, showcasing talents from independent filmmaking communities alongside established Hollywood figures.
Top Anticipated Films at Sundance 2026
- Barbara Forever – This documentary focuses on Barbara Hammer, a pioneering lesbian experimental filmmaker. Directed by Brydie O’Connor, it vividly captures Hammer’s life, exploring her unconventional perspective and artistic journey.
- Big Girls Don’t Cry – This coming-of-age drama by Paloma Schneideman follows a teen grappling with her queerness and the complexities of growing up in a digital world.
- Burn – Set in Shinjuku, Tokyo, this film directed by Makoto Nagahisa portrays the chaotic lives of street kids amidst the sprawling red-light district, blending intense drama with moments of humor.
- Everybody To Kenmure Street – Felipe Bustos Sierra’s documentary examines community activism during a 2021 immigration raid in Glasgow, spotlighting local responses to the crisis.
- Levitating – An Indonesian film by Wregas Bhanuteja, featuring spiritual themes and anti-gentrification motifs, revolves around a fundraiser to save a local holy site.
- Once Upon A Time In Harlem – This posthumously assembled film by William Greaves presents a captivating look at a dinner party featuring legends of the Harlem Renaissance, narrated by his son, David Greaves.
- Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story – This documentary explores the life and mental health journey of comedian Maria Bamford, featuring insights from industry peers and family.
- Shame And Money – Visar Morina’s drama highlights the struggles of a farming family facing economic instability and the repercussions of a broken family bond.
- The Last First: Winter K2 – Amir Bar-Lev’s documentary chronicles the ambitious quest to summit K2 during winter, revealing stories behind the climbers’ motivations and challenges.
- Time And Water – Directed by Sara Dosa, this film weaves together a narrative about glacial decline alongside personal reflections from writer Andri Snær Magnason on loss and change.
The Sundance Film Festival remains a cornerstone for independent filmmakers to showcase their work. Anticipation grows as audiences prepare for a blend of inspiring stories and innovative filmmaking, all set against the backdrop of this iconic festival. As the final events unfold in Utah, numerous hidden gems await discovery, illustrating the rich tapestry of global cinema.
