X96 is proud to be an official partner of the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
Sundance Film Festival runs from January 21 through the 31st.
The Sundance Film Festival brings the most original storytellers together with the most adventurous audiences for its annual program of dramatic and documentary films, shorts, New Frontier films, installations, performances, panel discussions, and dynamic music events. Since 1985, hundreds of films launched at the Festival have gained critical recognition, received commercial distribution, and reached worldwide audiences eager for fresh perspectives and new voices. Year after year, the Festival pursues new ways to introduce more people to the most original and authentic storytelling.
Get more details and ticket information here.
Here are 16 films that X96’s resident movie-fiend, Corey O’Brien, suggests you catch:
1. Swiss Army Man
(U.S. Dramatic Competition)
Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe
A guy gets stranded on an island, finds a dead guy and names him. Together they have a dramatic adventure to find out why being alive is better than being dead. The struggle is real! Stars: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe
2. Talulah
(U.S. Dramatic Competition)
A rich-born baby is taken from her mum by a woman for the child’s benefit. Does it take a village or the right, caring person? That’s tough situation, but should make for a moving and rich film. I think. Stars: Ellen Page and Allison Janney
3. Audrie & Daisy
(U.S. Documentary Competition)
Two girls get raped. Two girls kill themselves because of social media bullying. It sounds like after-school special material, but I suspect it’s more about the power of words and the need for empathy.
4. How to Let Go of the World (And Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change)
(U.S. Documentary Competition)
Josh Fox, the guy who set “mid-west” faucets on fire when fracking polluted their water supply is back to as what climate change can’t take away from the human race. A note of hope from a guy who has a knack for shining light on gloomy situations.
5. Jim
(U.S. Documentary Competition)
Jim is an American journalist who was beheaded by ISIS. His best, childhood friends help us understand why someone would risk their lives for a story so far away from home and get to know someone who must have been unbelievably passionate about what they do.
6. Weiner
(U.S. Documentary Competition)
He was a progressive and promising politician…then a sex scandal dumped a huge pile of “no” over everything. Is it that simple or is there more to the story? There’s probably more to this story than a few pics on social media.
7. Brahman Naman
(World Cinema Dramatic Competition, UK/India)
A quiz team gets into the national championships, but they really want to answer one question: “How do I lose my virginity?” This just sounds fun.
8. The Lure
(World Cinema Dramatic Competition, Poland)
Michalina Olszanska
The description in the catalogue starts, “Two mermaid sisters, who end up performing at a nightclub…” Is there more you really need to know about this film? Check out this slightly NSFW clip:
9. Captain Fantastic
(Premieres)
Shree Crooks, Viggo Mortensen, Samantha Alster, Nicholas Hamilton, Annalise Basso,
A father, far from the real-world’s reach, in the Pacific Northwest spends his time putting his kids through, “a rigorous physical and intellectual education.” When they have to re-enter society, well, that’s when things get difficult. Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Fran Langella, Steve Zahn, Ann Dowd
Viggo Mortensen
10. Weiner Dog
(Premieres)
Keaton Nigel Cooke
A special dog inspires others. That doesn’t sound too riveting until you know this film is directed by Todd Solondz who has brought us unforgettable films such as “Happiness” & “Welcome to the Dollhouse.” Stars: Greta Gerwig, Kieran Culkin, Danny DeVito, Ellen Burstyn, Julie Delpy.
Greta Gerwig
11. Eat That Question – Frank Zappa in His Own Words
(Documentary Premieres)
No doubt you have a Frank Zappa superfan in your life and you may not get it, but Zappa was one of the wittiest and a perfectionist when it came to music. This documentary features rare footage of Zappa that could enlighten you about why so many people see him as an icon. Watch this clip:
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12. LO AND BEHOLD Reveries of the Connected World
(Documentary Premieres)
Leonard Kleinrock
Time to get meta and bend that brain of yours. This film explores the connected world and further more, it’s directed by Werner Herzog. This film is not to be missed.
13. The Land
(Next)
A group of teenage boys want to be pro skateboarders, but a local “queenpin” stands in their way. Coming of angst, skateboarding and The Woman keepin’ you down. I’m in.
14. The Lobster
(Spotlight)
Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz
If you were told to mate or be transformed into your favorite animal, what would you do? Well, that’s the future the characters of “The Lobster” live in. This one sells itself. Stars: Colin Ferrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Wishaw, John C. Reilly. Watch a clip:
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15. Miles Ahead
(Spotlight)
Don Cheadle
Don Cheadle plays Miles Davis, arguably one of the biggest minds in all of music. The internet has been talking about his performance for a year.
16. Yoga Hosers
(Midnight)
Harley Quinn Smith, Lily Rose Depp
Kevin Smith’s follow-up (kind of) to “Tusk.” Two girl in Canada find “an ancient evil” under the convince store they work at. Stars: Johnny Depp, Justin Long, Harley Quinn Smith, Lily-Rose Depp.
It looks like it will be an amazing festival this year. See you there.
