Seven Scottish Films Set for Sundance Film Festival Premiere

A remarkable seven films from Scotland have been selected for the renowned Sundance Film Festival, marking a significant achievement for the region’s film industry. This year’s festival will take place from January 22 to February 1 in Park City, Utah. Among the selected films, five received backing from Screen Scotland, highlighting the growing prominence of Scottish filmmakers on the international stage.

Louis Paxton‘s film, The Incomer, has been designated as the opening film in the Next category. This section showcases innovative, low-budget independent films that challenge conventional boundaries. The narrative follows two siblings working to keep their Scottish island free of “incomers.” Paxton expressed his excitement, stating, “The Incomer has been a joy to bring to life alongside an immensely talented team. I’m so proud to have made a Scottish comedy, steeped in our history and humour, crafted for a universal audience.”

Another notable entry is Olive Nwosu‘s Lady, produced by Glasgow-based Alex Polunin, which will compete in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. This film is expected to resonate with audiences, showcasing Scotland’s diverse storytelling capabilities.

Further enhancing Scotland’s representation at Sundance, Felipe Bustos Sierra‘s Everybody to Kenmure Street and Birds of War, produced by Sonja Henrici, have been included in the World Documentary Competition. Everybody to Kenmure Street recounts a Home Office dawn raid that ignites a powerful act of civil resistance in Glasgow. Producer Ciara Barry described the film as “a hopeful film that celebrates the power of community,” emphasizing its personal connection to the Glasgow community involved in the protest.

In the special screenings strand, Mark Cousins‘ The Story of Documentary will be screened. This film explores the evolution of the documentary format from its inception to modern times and was produced by John Archer. Additionally, two more films in the selection are produced or co-produced by Scottish talent: Filipiñana, produced by Alex Polunin, and Extra Geography, co-produced by Wendy Griffin.

Isabel Davis, executive director of Screen Scotland, expressed her pride in the selection, noting, “Every one of these titles is entertaining, urgent and creatively uncompromising.” She highlighted that the festival’s recognition reflects Scotland’s commitment to original storytelling and the support provided to filmmakers at all stages of their careers.

Angus Robertson, the Scottish Culture Secretary, also commented on the significance of this achievement. He stated, “I am really pleased to see these films be selected for the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing the incredible breadth of creativity in Scotland.” He emphasized the Scottish Government’s commitment to fostering growth in the screen sector, which has seen an increase in ambitious projects finding success on the global stage.

The inclusion of these seven films at Sundance not only underscores the artistic talent emerging from Scotland but also signifies the country’s expanding influence in the global film landscape. As these films prepare for their international debut, anticipation builds for the stories and creativity they will bring to the forefront.