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2025 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL KICKED OFF TODAY WITH PREMIERES FEATURING OLIVIA COLMAN, JOHN LITHGOW, AHMIR “QUESTLOVE” THOMPSON, MARLEE MATLIN, DYLAN O’BRIEN, JOSH GAD, JULIETTE LEWIS, LAUREN GRAHAM, AND MANY MORE
Top Row (L-R) John Lithgow and Olivia Colman, Dylan O’Brien, and James Sweeney, and Marlee Matlin on January 23, 2025 in Park City, Utah.
Bottom Row (L-R) Derik Murray, Tara Duncan, Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson, Joseph Patel and Jihan Robinson, Samantha Mathis, Juliette Lewis and Robin Tunney on January 23, 2025 in Park City, Utah.
(Photo Credit: George Pimentel/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)
The highly anticipated 2025 Sundance Film Festival kicked off today, Thursday January 23, with a full day of exciting premieres bringing together original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and fresh perspectives. Today’s remarkable line up of films featured talent that included Olivia Colman, John Lithgow, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Marlee Matlin, Dylan O’Brien, Josh Gad, Juliette Lewis, Lauren Graham, Jesse Williams, and more!
Below is a recap of January 23 (DAY ONE) of the Festival. You can find photos and videos (soundbites and b-roll) for your use at the links below, which will update regularly throughout the day over the course of the Festival. We will include recaps from each day aggregated in this document HERE, so you can reference all highlights at any point.
Additionally, as the Festival comes together to celebrate the power of storytelling, our hearts continue to be with those affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. We want to raise awareness for members of the Sundance community and so many others who have been impacted. Here are some ways to help those in need: https://festival.sundance.org/how-to-fest/la-fire-resources. If you're able to, please consider supporting fundraising efforts by visiting the list of Sundance Community Fundraisers Affected by the LA Wildfires. All inquiries should be directed to the campaign organizers.
The Festival is taking place from January 23–February 2, 2025, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, with a selection of titles available online beginning on January 30, 2025. Tickets can be purchased at festival.sundance.org/tickets.
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JANUARY 23 HIGHLIGHTS
JURY ORIENTATION:
A gathering was held at The Park in Park City to welcome the jurors granting awards honoring excellence in cinematic and artistic achievement in this year’s Festival.
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival Jury includes: Reinaldo Marcus Green, Arian Moayed, and Celine Song for the U.S. Dramatic Competition; Steven Bognar, Vinnie Malhotra, and Marcia Smith for the U.S. Documentary Competition; Ava Cahen, Wanuri Kahiu, and Daniel Kaluuya for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition; Daniela Alatorre, Laura Kim, and Kevin Macdonald for the World Cinema Documentary Competition; Kaniehtiio Horn, Maggie Mackay, and Kibwe Tavares for the Short Film Program Competition; and Elijah Wood for the NEXT section.
The jury for the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize deliberated ahead of the Festival and awarded the prize to SALLY, directed by Cristina Costantini. This jury includes Michael Almereyda, Nia Imara, Monica Lopez, Nicholas Ma, and Sam and Andy Zuchero.
TODAY’S PREMIERES INCLUDE:
JIMPA
The immensely talented cast of Jimpa, including Olivia Colman, John Lithgow, Aud Mason-Hyde, Daniel Henshall, Eamon Farren, joined director Sophie Hyde at premiere’s press line and took part in the Q&A.
TWINLESS
An enthusiastic audience cheered on the director and castan emotionally overwhelmed cast during the Q&A at the premiere of Twinless. Film talent included director and cast James Sweeney, cast Dylan O'Brien, Aisling Franciosi, and Lauren Graham who also attended the premiere’s press line
Dylan O’Brien: “Meeting James was kind of the stamp on [it], watching his first film and seeing that he’s such a through and through filmmaker. We’ve been on the journey together for five years so this is a pretty cool moment to have it come out like this”
SLY LIVES! (AKA THE BURDEN OF BLACK GENIUS)
Multi-hypenate and Oscar-winning director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, attended the premiere of his latest musical biopic documentary alongside Sly’s family including Novena Carmel, Phunne, and Sylvester Stewart Jr. He and producer Joseph Patel also took part in a Q&A following a standing ovation from the audience.
MARLEE MATLIN: NOT ALONE ANYMORE
Marlee Matlin, Jack Jason, and director Shoshannah Stern attended the premiere’s press line and took part in the Q&A.
Marlee Matlin: “I knew it was time for [Shoshannah] to show the world what I’ve gone through. I waited and my four kids, who are now adults, it was a good time to show them what mom has gone through their entire life. So I’m glad they’re here. I’m glad they’re here to see this.”
BY DESIGN
Juliette Lewis returned to the Sundance Film Festival alongside Robin Tunney, Samantha Mathis, Mamoudou Athie, Miranda Bailey, Betty Buckley, and writer and director Amanda Kramer who attended the premiere’s press line and took part in the Q&A
PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF
Fans eagerly awaited outside for Matt Wolf’s intimate documentary on Paul Reubens, many festival goers paid homage to the comedic genius and late artist.
SHORTS PROGRAM 1
The program included Debaters, Hoops, Hoopes & Dreams, Sweetheart and more!
Film talent included director Luke Wintour and Executive Producer Jesse Williams.
(L-R) James Sweeney and Dylan O’Brien, Olivia Colman, and Luke Wintour on January 23, 2025 in Park City, Utah.
(Photo Credit: George Pimentel/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival.)
