## 13 Must-Watch Movies at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival
It’s that time year! The 2024 Sundance Film Festival is days away and before you get those snow boots ready and head out to Park City, we’re here to give you a short list of films that should be on your radar before you head to the festival. So be sure to check these out because they come highly recommended! From Richard Roundtree’s last film to incredibly captivating documentaries about labor unions, prison recidivism, and artificial intelligence, don’t let these flicks pass you by at Sundance!
### U.S. Dramatic Competition
**Suncoast**
For fans of *The Last of Us*, Nico Parker’s performance gutted us during that pilot episode of Season 1. You can expect the same from her role as Doris, in this gut-wrenching coming-of-age story about a girl making peace with her brother being in hospice care as well as trying to fit in with a group of peers at her school. While balancing the weight of her brother’s mortality and trying to make friends and be “normal,” she’s dealing with her mother (Laura Linney), who challenges her at every turn. It seems that nothing that Doris does is ever good enough, but at the same time, Doris’ mother has her own battles and inner demons she’s fighting as her son is in a comatose state.
The story also is set during the same time as the Terri Schivao case, which was quite controversial at the time, and these characters are staying at Suncoast, the same hospice center as Schiavo. Woody Harrelson also stars as a man who forms and fosters a connection with Doris, and the two build an unlikely friendship. Directed and written by Laura Chinn, *Suncoast* is semi-autobiographical from Chinn’s own experiences in the early 2000s.
The film is available to screen in-person and online. Click here for more information.
**NEXT**
**Tendaberry**
In the Next category is the film *Tendaberry*. Twenty-three-year old Dakota (Kota Johan) is in love with her boyfriend Yuri (Yuri Plskun). The two spend a significant amount of time together and are barely apart. However, when he has to take care of his sick father who lives in Ukraine, Dakota’s life is turned upside down as she finds herself forging a new path on her own in solitude. She stumbles into new platonic relationships, some good and some bad, but through this process she learns a bit more about herself along the way.
Directed by Elizabeth Anderson, in her first feature film, *Tendaberry* stylistically is shot in a series of moving images as if you’re viewing Dakota’s life in real time. It feels organic, authentic and unapologetic. The story also speaks to issues of gentrification and immigration, which are still pressing social issues that affect communities and the greater New York City area where this story takes place. If you’re into hard-hitting stories with a show that isn’t afraid to show the flaws of its protagonist, add this one to your list.
The film is available to screen in-person and online. Click here for more information.
**Seeking Mavis Beacon**
Have you heard of *Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing*? Pre-dating digital AI fembots like Alexa and Siri, there was educational software branded with the face of a Haitian cover model named Mavis Beacon. It was quite revolutionary at the time because no computer software had a Black person representing its brand and certainly not a Black woman. In the documentary *Seeking Mavis Beacon*, filmmaker Jazmin Renee Jones along with colleague Olivia McKayla Ross go on a mission to search for the real Mavis Beacon — a woman named Renee L’Esperance.
Through this journey, Jazmin learns how marketing was used to manipulate consumers, and she also learns quite a bit about herself throughout as Mavis made a huge impact on her life. For those who remember the typing software of late 1980s, this documentary will definitely resonate with you and provide gems of information that will pleasantly surprise you. There’s also a few appearances from another Black revolutionary in the world of tech in this documentary, which is Bina48 from our next Sundance selection *Love Machina*.
The film is available to screen in-person and online. Click here for more information.
### U.S. Documentary Competition
**Love Machina**
What if you could capture the essence of a human’s personality? In the documentary *Love Machina*, filmmaker Peter Sillen navigates the lives of Martine and Bina Rothblatt, a loving and adoring married couple who want their romance to be sealed forever in the form of humanoid AI named Bina48. The development of artificial intelligence has not only changed the way we use technology, but also is now the cultural zeitgeist of our era. This documentary also highlights Bina’s perceptions and ideas of what it is to be Black, while other Black futurists challenge white developers on Bina’s programming and thoughts on her own idea of Blackness.
It’s an incredibly riveting true story of an interracial queer couple cultivating and crafting together some of the most advanced tech you will ever see. The doc also pays homage to the late great Octavia E. Butler, who we love here at BlackGirl Nerds
If you’re into technology and enjoy love stories, then a must-see documentary is “Union.” The film delves into the world of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) and the efforts led by union labor leader Chris Smalls to improve working conditions and benefits for Amazon employees in New York. It demonstrates the power of community organizing and the uphill battle faced by workers in their quest for better rights and pay. “Union” is a riveting David vs. Goliath-style story that sheds light on the current economic climate.
Another intriguing documentary to consider is “As We Speak,” which offers a unique perspective on hip-hop culture and the challenges faced by Black artists. The film delves into how rap lyrics are used against Black defendants in the criminal justice system and explores racial bias in music. It’s a thought-provoking documentary that fosters discussions about racial justice and inequities in the music industry.
For those looking for an emotionally charged experience, “Daughters” offers a poignant portrayal of the Date With Dad program in a Washington D.C. jail. The documentary follows the journey of young girls preparing to meet their incarcerated fathers for a special dance event. It offers a heartfelt exploration of the profound impact of the father-daughter relationship and the challenges faced by families affected by incarceration.
In addition to films, the festival also features episodic programs, including “Conbody VS Everybody,” a series that follows formerly incarcerated individuals as they strive to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of recidivism. Directed by Debra Granik, known for “Winter’s Bone,” the series offers a compelling look at the challenges faced by former prisoners as they navigate the complexities of re-entering society.
These documentaries offer engaging and insightful perspectives on a wide range of issues, making them valuable additions to anyone’s watch list.The film festival is set to take place from January 18–28, 2024, with both in-person screenings in Park City and Salt Lake City, and a range of titles available for online viewing nationwide from January 25–28, 2024. If you enjoy stories with a redemptive arc, there’s a docuseries premiering at the festival that you won’t want to miss. Limited episodes will be available to screen in-person and online.
One of the premieres, “Thelma,” is inspired by true events based on director Josh Margolin’s grandmother’s personal experience. It features June Squibb in her first leading role after a 70+ year career as a veteran actor, and also stars the late Richard Roundtree in an emotional and heartwarming performance. The film follows Thelma Post’s journey to reclaim her money after being scammed by a telemarketer, with her grandson, parents, and a friend providing support and comic relief. The film captures the core themes of family, loyalty, friendship, and determination.
Another premiere, “Power,” explores the consequences and actions of the militarization of law enforcement over the decades. Director Yance Ford, known for the compelling documentary “Strong Island,” delves into the impact of overfunding the police, posing vital questions about oversight and protection.
For families, “10 Lives” is an animated film about loyalty and friendship, following a science student named Rose and her beloved kitten Beckett on an emotional adventure. Directed and written by Christopher Jenkins, the film explores the unconditional love between pets and their owners, and features the voices of Mo Gilligan and Sophie Okonedo.
In the World Cinema Documentary Competition, “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat” is a remarkable documentary incorporating the rich sounds of Black American jazz and eyewitness accounts to explore the use of jazz musicians as cover for covert operations to assassinate political leaders. Another documentary, “Igualada,” follows the compelling story of Black Colombian activist Francia Marquez and her grassroots efforts for social justice.
These films offer a diverse range of compelling and thought-provoking stories, addressing real-life challenges and showcasing the resilience and courage of individuals. Whether you’re interested in redemptive narratives, social justice causes, or heartwarming family stories, the festival has something for everyone.
