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WHAT’S ON TODAY

Today is Ignite Day, presented by Adobe (more on that below!), and we’re raising a toast to the next generation of independent storytellers. Speaking of which, the day’s screenings include exciting directorial debuts that are sure to be talked about all year long. See them here first. Carey Williams’s R#J is told entirely through social media and smartphone screens; Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr.’s Wild Indian tells a story that spans centuries with an assured visual style that evokes fascination and dread; and in El Planeta, Amalia Ulman blurs the line between fact and fiction.

We’ve also got two big world premieres on deck for you today. First, at 1:00 p.m. MT, see Night of the Kings, the second feature of Ivory Coast director Philippe Lacôte. Later on, at 7:00 p.m. MT, Shaka King returns to the Festival with Judas and the Black Messiah, a historical drama that tells the story of Black Panther Party chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) and his betrayal at the hands of William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) in 1969.

And don’t forget to check out what’s brewing in Cinema Café, presented by Audible. Today we’re hosting a thought-provoking talk with actors Emilia Jones (CODA), Patti Harrison (Together Together, Weirdo Night), and Tyson Brown (First Date). We also hope you’re ready for Come Together, another Big Conversation—this one supported by our friends at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Expect a mind-expanding talk on the intersection of science and technology, as explored through the lens of film and television. 

Last but not least, make room on your schedule for tonight’s Sound & Vision Speakeasy at 9:00 p.m. MT, presented by Southwest Airlines, featuring musical performances by artists like Bardo (Chicano Batman) and Frances Forever. You’ll only be able to access this one live, and we guarantee you won’t want to miss it.

THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW The Sundance Institute and Adobe are proud to support the next generation of filmmaking talent. Today is Ignite Day, a celebration of artists who may be short on years but long on vision. Join us at 1:00 p.m. MT for a screening of films from our 10 Sundance Ignite x Adobe fellows. Ignite Day’s programming also includes “Creating a New Canon,” a panel where BIPOC artists will talk about telling stories that branch outside of traditional Western European norms. We hope it’ll inspire filmmakers age 18–25 to enter their shorts in the 2021 Ignite x Adobe Short Film Challenge. (Submissions to the challenge open March 2.) Attend Ignite Day

EXPLORERS WANTED It’s not too late to experience some of the most innovative content at this year’s Festival. With the Explorer Pass ($25), you’ll get on-demand access to our Short Film, Indie Series, and New Frontier programs. New Frontier is where you’ll also find Film Party, aka the after-party for all our world premieres. Set up your avatar and slide on over to chat with artists and fellow Festivalgoers. Get the Pass     ENTER NOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN Stay connected to a year-round community that champions independent voices. Become a Member of the nonprofit Sundance Institute now and you’ll have a shot at winning a stable of prizes (like a $400 Southwest® gift card, a one-year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, a one-year Audible membership with Master & Dynamic headphones, or a 2021 filmmaker jacket from Canada Goose).  Enter to Win

THIS IS WHAT IT REALLY TAKES Blood. Sweat. Tears. Making independent films has never been for the faint of heart. Presented by Dropbox, our video series Work in Progress tracks some of the Festival’s most intriguing talents as they hustle, scrap, and defy convention to get their projects ready for opening night. Watch the Series     DOORDASH FLAVOR & FILM We’re proud to welcome DoorDash as a sponsor. With the flavors they bring to your door and the movies we've lined up, you’re in for a magical viewing experience. There is a flavor for every flick in the custom DoorDash #FlavorandFilm Kit. Get Your Kit

DAILY RECAP: BEST OF SUNDAY PRESENTED BY ADOBE Three years after bringing RBG to Park City, Betsy West and Julie Cohen returned yesterday with My Name Is Pauli Murray, a documentary on an equally important political force. And actors Robin Wright (Land) and Rebecca Hall (Passing) swung through Cinema Café, presented by Audible, to talk about what it was like making their debuts as directors. Here’s how it all happened, ICYMI. Watch Now