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PARK CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Nearly 20 filmmakers, actors, experts, and more are set to participate in the Beyond Film series at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Here’s what you should know.
The Beyond Film program is a series of talks and events that are, for the most part, free. There are four main “program strands” within the Beyond Film Programming, including the following: “Power of Story” (a paid event), “Cinema Cafe presented by Audible,” “Film Church,” and “The Big Conversation.”
The Sundance Institute announced the lineup for the 2025 Beyond Film program on Jan. 13, just days before the start of the film festival. The Beyond Film activities will be held in person from Jan. 24 through Jan. 31, 2025.
“The conversations at these events further amplify the ways in which our audiences can engage with the themes and ideas within this year’s Festival Program,” Director of Programming Kim Yutani said. “We look forward to featuring the inspiring voices of filmmakers, artists, and politicians to connect even more with audiences.”
Many artists featured in the 2025 film festival will be participating in this year’s Beyond Film program, including Chloë Sevigny, Olivia Colman, Steven Yeun, Katarina Zhu, and Isabel Castro.
Elijah Wood and Daniel Noah (both producers on “Rabbit Trap”) will be doing a live podcast recording of “Visitations” at the program as well.
“Beyond Film programming is a dynamic and inspiring part of the Sundance Film Festival experience, designed to spark what can only be described as collective effervescence,” Ania Trzebiatowska, Beyond Film Program Curator, said.
The Sundance Institute said most of the offerings from the Beyond Film program will be available online the next day. Single film tickets for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival will go on sale on Jan. 16 at 9 a.m.
If planning to attend Cinema Café and The Big Conversation events, plan on arriving at least 30 minutes early as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to present your Festival ID QR code on your phone for entry.
Brief details on the Beyond Film events are included below. For full programming details and information, visit the Sundance website.
Power of Story
- When: Jan. 28, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Where: Egyptian Theatre, Park City
- Who:
- Mstyslav Chernov, “2000 Meters to Andriivka”
- Celine Song, “Past Lives”
- Chloë Sevigny, “Atropia,” “Magic Farm”
- Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Power of Story” requires an additional, paid ticket to attend the event. The event will highlight a dive into the definition success and how it can be shaped by socioecominic and polical influences.
“By addressing the roles of privilege, opportunity, and systemic barriers, we aim to foster an honest, critical, and inclusive dialogue about success and its complexities,” a press release states.
Cinema Cafe
- When: Jan. 24 – Jan. 31
- Where: Filmmaker Lodge, Park City
- Who:
- Oliva Colman, “Jimpa,” on Jan. 24
- Steven Yeun, “Bubble & Squeak,” on Jan. 24
- Jacinda Ardern, subject of “Prime Minister,” on Jan. 25
- Marlee Matlin, “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” on Jan. 25
- Eva Victor, “Sorry, Baby,” on Jan. 28
- Katarina Zhu, “Bunnylovr,” on Jan. 28
- Rashad Frett, “Ricky,” on Jan. 28
- Théodore Pellerin, “Lurkers,” on Jan. 28
- Gregory Nava, “El Norte,” on Jan. 29
- Isabel Castro, “Selena y Los Dinos,” on Jan. 29
- Elijah Wood, “Rabbit Trap,” live taping “Visitations” podcast on Jan. 30
- Daniel Noah, “Rabbit Trap,” live taping “Visitations” podcast on Jan. 30
The Big Conversation
- When: Jan. 27
- Where: Filmmaker Lodge, Park City
- Who:
- Cristina Costantini, “SALLY”
- Nicole Perlman, “Guardians of the Galaxy”
“The Big Conversation” will dive into science, art, culture, and what is fueling current independent artists, with guests Cristina Costantini and Nicole Perlman.
Film Church
- When: Jan. 31
- Where: Filmmaker Lodge, Park City
- Who:
- Special guests
- Hosted by Kim Yutani and Eugene Hernandez
The special guests set to participate in “Film Church” include filmmakers who take home awards from the festival.