Baichwel and Edward Burtynsky, “Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen” by Hepi Mita, and “Cold Case Hammarskjold” by Mads Brugger. The talent and vision behind creating documentaries that also entertain is evident in each of these very different films.
There’s also a heavy dose of humor this year at Sundance, a flavor not typically tasted here or at any film festival. From fun romantic comedies with unexpected characters (“The Tomorrow Man” and “Top End Wedding”) and hilariously heartfelt stories taking on discrimination, confidence, and acceptance (“Late Night” and “Brittany Runs A Marathon”) to uplifting and charming kids’ films (“Troop Zero”), Sundance has found its funny bone. All five of these films not only made me laugh, but also made me think as I connected with each film and the characters within the story. Recognizable faces and names such as John Lithgow, Blythe Danner, Viola Davis, and Allison Janney and up-and-coming, soon-to-be-recognized powerhouses such as Miranda Tapsell, Gwilym Lee, Mckenna Grace, and Utkarsh Ambudkar, are all a part of the success of comedies at this year’s festival.
N. Scott Momady and Jeffrey Palmer, WORDS FROM A BEAR