The 2025 edition of the Sundance Film Festival is scheduled to commence in Park City, Utah, on January 23. Recognized as one of the most esteemed film festivals globally, it has showcased numerous landmark films, including Little Miss Sunshine, Memento, Whiplash, and Get Out. Additionally, the festival has been instrumental in the debut of some of the finest documentary films in recent years, with 20 Days in Mariupol being a notable example; it premiered at Sundance 2023 and subsequently secured the 2024 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

In anticipation of this year's festival, Hindustan Times engaged in a conversation with Sudeep Sharma, a programmer who plays a crucial role in curating documentary feature films. During this exclusive interview, Sudeep shared insights into this year's programming process, the longstanding presence of Indian films at the festival, and other related topics.

Do you think there were specific thematic trends in the submitted films? If yes, what were they?

The substantial volume of submissions we receive and evaluate from both the United States and across the globe makes it challenging to categorize them into cohesive themes or trends. This year, what particularly stood out was the ongoing diversity of voices and viewpoints represented in the films, as well as the varied backgrounds of the artists behind them. In spite of numerous challenges and obstacles, the determination of filmmakers to produce cinema was a recurring theme throughout our programming process, and I believe this resilience is evident in the films selected for the lineup.

The Beyond Film series is a highlight of the festival. What criteria were used for selecting these films?

The Beyond Film series is organized by my colleague Ania Trzebiatowska, and I will be serving as the moderator for the Cinema Cafe discussion featuring Marlee Matlin and The Rt Hon Dame Jacinda Arden on Saturday, January 25. While the films serve as an initial focus, the primary objective of the series is to facilitate informal discussions among our festival guests regarding the topics and concepts that inspire and engage them.

Sundance has become a key venue for documentaries. What factors contribute to its success in selecting documentary titles?

The success of our documentary film platform can be attributed to several factors: the exceptional quality of work produced by documentary filmmakers globally, the enthusiastic audience we have cultivated who are eager to engage with documentary films, and our programming strategy that prioritizes the promotion of emerging filmmakers. This strategy is rooted in a commitment to emotionally and intellectually connect with the narratives presented. Our history of showcasing some of the most significant and impactful documentaries in recent years has certainly enhanced our reputation as a launchpad for documentary films. However, we approach each year as a new opportunity, maintaining a sense of curiosity and wonder about the real-life stories that surround us and the diverse methods filmmakers employ to convey them.

India's Sabar Bonda is the first Marathi feature film at the Sundance Film Festival, following last year's success of Girls Will Be Girls. Independent Indian films, including documentaries, are gaining prominence at the festival. What do you think?

Throughout my extensive involvement in film festival programming and my passion for cinema, I have observed that independent Indian cinema boasts a rich history, a dynamic present, and a promising future. The film culture in India is characterized by its vibrancy, creativity, and distinctiveness, encompassing a wide array of films across various languages and cultural backgrounds. However, I believe that over the past 10 to 15 years, advancements in technology and the increased accessibility of films, coupled with the promotional efforts of film festivals, have led to a significant surge in awareness among global cinephiles.

As you mentioned, Sundance has a longstanding tradition of showcasing both documentary and narrative independent feature films from India, including titles such as Machines, All That Breathes, Against the Tide, Nocturnes, Taking The Horse To Eat Jalebis, Brahmin Naman, Liar’s Dice, and Fire In The Mountains, among others. Additionally, we have featured numerous Indian short films over the years. This trend underscores the resilience and talent of Indian artists who continue to create impactful work despite the numerous challenges they encounter.

What pleasures have you experienced as a member of the Sundance Programming team this year?

Throughout the year, we programmers attend various festivals and film events to learn about forthcoming documentary projects. However, the most demanding period of programming involves reviewing submissions and engaging in discussions with one another. This process, while challenging, is also immensely rewarding as we encounter numerous innovative films that have the potential to impact viewers' lives. The only greater satisfaction comes from the festival itself, where we assist filmmakers in presenting their work to an audience, contributing modestly to their growth as artists. It truly feels like a remarkable privilege.

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