2016 Sundance Film Fest unveils lineup for drama, documentary films

PanARMENIAN.Net - Sundance Institute has unveiled the 65 films selected for the U.S. Competition, World Competition and out-of-competition NEXT categories at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, which takes place Jan. 21-31 in Utah, TheWrap reports.

Films that have premiered in these sections include “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” “Fruitvale Station,” “Whiplash,” “Blackfish,” “The Cove,” “An Education,” “Animal Kingdom,” “Precious” and “Tangerine.”

This year, Andrew Neel’s “Goat” — co-written by David Gordon Green, produced by James Franco and starring Nick Jonas — highlights the U.S. Dramatic Competition along with Sian Heder’s “Tallulah” starring Ellen Page and Allison Janney.

The documentary section includes movies about embattled politician Anthony Weiner, ALS-afflicted NFL veteran Steve Gleason and mysterious literary sensation JT LeRoy.

There are also two projects about Christine Chubbuck, a reporter who killed herself on the air in the 1970s — Antonio Campos’ “Christine” starring Rebecca Hall and “Kate Plays Christine” starring Kate Lyn Sheil.

“From diverse backgrounds, places and perspectives, these independent artists are united by the power of their stories and vision. Their films will soon launch onto the global stage, beginning their journeys through our culture. A new year in independent film will start right here — on the mountain — in January,” said Robert Redford, president and founder of Sundance Institute.

“At a time when big-budget blockbusters and free online content are ubiquitous, independent filmmakers continue to be extraordinarily creative, artful and inventive. Our mission remains to amplify these voices from outside the mainstream at the Festival and, through our year-round filmmaker Labs, programs and events, to celebrate their truly independent passion and spirit,” said Keri Putnam, executive director of Sundance Institute.

“Fueled by wild creativity, fresh perspectives and a deep understanding of the craft of storytelling, independent film is evolving. Our Festival continues to show that film has the power to inspire, challenge and surprise audiences in new ways,” added festival director John Cooper.

For the 2016 festival, 120 feature-length films were selected, representing 37 countries and 48 first-time filmmakers, including 28 in competition. These films were selected from 12,793 submissions, including 4,081 feature-length films and 8,712 short films. Of the feature film submissions, 1,972 were from the U.S. and 2,109 were international. 98 feature films at the festival will be world premieres. The Midnight films have been announced and more films will be announced soon.