These Movies Sold at Sundance 2016

We will be updating this post with 2016 Sundance Film Festival acquisitions throughout the festival. The post is organized from newest to oldest, with the latest acquisitions on the top.

Belgica

Acquired: February 17By: NetflixPurchase Price:Director: Felix van GroeningenStarring: Stef Aerts, Tom Vermeir, Charlotte Vandermeersch, Hélène DevosOther Info: Global exclusive SVOD rightsPlot Synopsis:

Belgica is the story of two brothers: charismatic and temperamental Frank—a husband, father, and an incurable womanizer—and his ambitious-but-green, one-eyed younger brother Jo, who owns a dive bar called Belgica. When Frank helps Belgica become the place to be for great music, beautiful people, and debauched fun, the brothers become business partners to expand the bar. Belgica quickly becomes bigger and better, and the brothers seem to have discovered the formula for success—until they learn that running a business on this scale is more complicated than they realized, and their relationship and personal lives suffer. Writer/director Felix van Groeningen (who directed the Academy Award–nominated Broken Circle Breakdown) bathes the screen in golden hues and kinetic energy, creating an immersive experience of the excess and euphoria of being in the hottest nightclub in town. Set to the eclectic sounds of acclaimed Belgian band Soulwax, this precisely crafted, fast-paced tale shows the brothers’ intoxicating ascent to success—and the crash and burn that follows. Belgica is about living in the moment and realizing that moving forward is not only inevitable but necessary.

White Girl

Acquired: February 17By: NetflixPurchase Price:Director: Elizabeth WoodStarring: Morgan Saylor, Brian ‘Sene’ Marc, Justin Bartha, Chris Noth, India Menuez, Adrian MartinezOther Info: SVOD only — theatrical distributor TBDPlot Synopsis:

The cross section between New York’s mean streets and its gentrified alcoves makes for potent social satire in Elizabeth Wood’s tough and exhilarating debut. Equipped with platinum blonde hair and a winning smile, college girl Leah (Morgan Saylor) seeks out pleasure in any form. She has two weeks before fall semester, and in between getting high with her roommate and snorting lines with her boss, she finds time to hit it off with a handsome, young Puerto Rican drug dealer named Blue. Within days, the two are selling dime bags to her affluent white colleagues, collecting fast cash, and living the high life. But their euphoria comes to a grinding halt once Blue is arrested and Leah’s left with a hefty amount of his coke. Does she sell it to save him or use it herself? Shot with a sharp eye for New York City, White Girl thrashes through an increasingly high-stakes game of hedonism where unspoken socio-economic tensions coupled with a blatant disregard for consequence converge into a shocking commentary on today’s youth culture. Saylor and Wood are forces to be reckoned with, unleashing a torrent of vulnerability and confidence that will leave audiences enticed and unsettled.

The Eyes Of My Mother

Acquired: February 12By: MagnetPurchase Price: n/aDirector: Nicolas PesceStarring:  Kika Magalhães, Will Brill, Paul Nazak, Flora Diaz, Clara Wong, Diana AgostiniOther Info: Worldwide rightsPlot Synopsis:

In their secluded farmhouse, a mother, formerly a surgeon in Portugal, teaches her daughter, Francisca, to understand anatomy and be unfazed by death. One afternoon, a mysterious visitor horrifyingly shatters the idyll of Francisca’s family life, deeply traumatizing the young girl, but also awakening some unique curiosities. Though she clings to her increasingly reticent father, Francisca’s loneliness and scarred nature converge years later when her longing to connect with the world around her takes on a distinctly dark form.Shot in crisp black and white, the haunting, and at times disturbing, visual compositions of The Eyes of My Mother evoke its protagonist’s isolation and illuminate her deeply unbalanced worldview. Genre-inflected, but so strikingly unique as to defy categorization, writer/director Nicolas Pesce’s assured feature debut allows us only an elliptical presence in Francisca’s world, guiding our imaginations to follow her into peculiar, secret places.

Southside With You

Acquired: February 12By: Miramax/RoadsidePurchase Price: n/aDirector: Richard TanneStarring: Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers star as Michelle and BarackOther Info: North American rightsPlot Synopsis:

One Chicago afternoon in 1989, a Harvard Law summer associate named Barack Obama finagled a tête-à-tête with an attorney from the prestigious corporate law firm where they both worked. Her name was Michelle Robinson, and his pretense was a friendly outing to a community organizer meeting. In Michelle’s eyes, it was most certainly not a date. But as ice cream gives way to a stop at the Art Institute, and the community gathering conveniently becomes a chance for Barack to lecture brilliantly on activism, it’s stunningly obvious to Michelle that this cigarette-smoking smooth talker is desperately trying to woo her. As their epic encounter continues into evening and these fiercely bright minds go head-to-head, sparks fly.Southside With You takes plenty of poetic license to craft this charming, playful story out of true-life events, yet actors Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers embody the essence of two people matched in power, idealism, and intellect. As the second Obama presidential term winds down, it’s profound to consider just how serendipitous and consequential that day in 1989 was—not just for Michelle and Barack, but for America.

Christine

Acquired: February 4By: The OrchardPurchase Price:Director: Antonio CamposStarring: Rebecca Hall, Michael C. Hall, Maria Dizzia, Tracy Letts, J. Smith-CameronOther Info:Plot Synopsis: Christine (Rebecca Hall) is an ambitious 29-year-old news reporter in Sarasota, Florida, circa 1974. Relentlessly motivated to succeed, she knows she has talent, but being a driven career woman in the 1970s comes with its own challenges, especially when competition for a promotion, unrequited love for a coworker, and a tumultuous home life lead to a dissolution of self. With ratings in the cellar, WZRB’s station manager issues a mandate to deliver juicier and more exploitative stories, a style firmly at odds with Christine’s serious brand of issue-based journalism. To accomplish her goals, she must overcome her self-doubt and give the people what they want.

The Hollars

Acquired: January 29By: Sony ClassicsPurchase Price:Director: John KrasinskiStarring: Krasinski, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, Anna Kendrick, Charlie Day, Josh Groban, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Randall Park.Other Info: Sony Pictures Classics acquired all rights in the U.S. and Asia. Read our review here.Plot Synopsis:

John Krasinski’s big-hearted family comedy takes a touching look at the ties that bind. Krasinski plays John Hollar, a frustrated graphic novelist anxiously awaiting the birth of his baby with girlfriend, Rebecca (Anna Kendrick). When his mother, Sally (Margo Martindale), is diagnosed with a brain tumor, John flies back home, where denial runs deep in the family tree. While his loving but fractured family pulls together to prepare Sally for surgery, John takes a second look at the life he left behind.Krasinski, last seen at the Sundance Film Festival with his directorial debut Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (2009), takes a gentle approach to the dysfunctional Hollar clan, leavening the heart-tugging drama with inspired character-driven comedy. The large ensemble cast (including Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, Josh Groban, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Mary Kay Place) gives the relationships a lived-in feeling, while Krasinski offers a warm, funny, warts-and-all look at the importance of family.

The Eagle Huntress

Acquired: February 1stBy: Sony Pictures ClassicsPurchase Price:  mid-seven-figure deal that includes select international territories including Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Germany, Scandinavia and Asia.Director: Otto BellStarring: Other Info: One of the best reviewed documentaries at the festival. Star Wars star Daisy Ridley came on board as executive producer.Plot Synopsis:

A teenager girl named Ashol-Pan living in the mountains of northwestern Mongolia becomes an eagle huntress.

Frank And Lola

Acquired: January 29By: UniversalPurchase Price:  Universal has made a deal for most of the world for a minimum guarantee north of $2 millionDirector: Matthew M. RossStarring: Imogen Poots, Michael Shannon, Justin Long, Michael Nyqvist, Emmanuelle Devos and Rosanna Arquette.Other Info:Plot Synopsis:

Frank is a brooding, staunch Las Vegas chef who always focused his energy into his culinary talents—until he meets Lola, a young and beautiful enigma. Together, Frank and Lola build an intense relationship that saves each other from their mutual despair. Cracks begin to show after Lola suddenly cheats on Frank, which leads to Frank’s evolving mistrust of Lola and a growing obsession with an imposing man from her past. As Frank is given the chance to cook for a famed Parisian restaurateur, he is overcome by extreme thoughts of betrayal, causing him to seek revenge and answers. But what he learns about Lola is not black and white, and trust gives way to a web of deceit.Filmmaker Matthew Ross’s debut feature is a psychosexual noir love story that plays with slighted emotions and the nuances of manipulation. In a seductive, layered role, Imogen Poots holds her own with Michael Shannon’s subtle, complex portrayal of Frank. Brash supporting characters; include Justin Long and Michael Nyqvist, who round out this world of shifting trusts that asks us who we can believe in.

The Lovers and the Despot

Acquired: January 29By: MagnoliaPurchase Price: n/aDirector: Robert Cannan and Ross AdamStarring: Other Info: Part of the World Documentary competition. All international rights are available through Magnolia International.Plot Synopsis:

They were the Brangelina of ’70s South Korea—the romance between the debonair film director Shin Sang-ok and glamorous actress Choi Eun-hee took them to the heights of South Korean society. Fame took a toll on their love, but it also attracted unbelievable twists of fate. The two find themselves kidnapped by the North Korean regime, and they are forced to play along with a bizarre filmmaking project led by superfan cinephile Kim Jong-il. Enduring torture, imprisonment, and surveillance, their romance is rekindled, and they realize escape is only possible through filmmaking—but the smallest mistake in their plans could cost them their lives. This film noir of the most twisted order is meticulously crafted with an analog-loving sensibility, offering incredible archive footage of the era that even includes rare clandestine audio recordings of Jong-il discussing his plot for a cinematic paradise. The tapes deliver a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into the psychology of the North Korean dictatorship and what happens when art, love, and megalomania collide.

Swiss Army Man

Acquired: January 29By: A24Purchase Price: n/aDirector: Daniel Scheinert and Daniel KwanStarring: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth WinsteadOther Info: The film premiered Jan. 22 in the U.S. Dramatic section. Read our review here.Plot Synopsis:

Alone on a tiny deserted island, Hank has given up all hope of ever making it home again. But one day everything changes when a dead body washes ashore, and he soon realizes it may be his last opportunity to escape certain death. Armed with his new “friend” and an unusual bag of tricks, the duo go on an epic adventure to bring Hank back to the woman of his dreams.Music video gurus “The Daniels,” a.k.a. Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, craft a wholly original debut feature bursting with limitless creativity both in content and form. Their consistently surprising script spans a wide range of emotions: from the ridiculously absurd to a touching exploration of what it means to be human. Given what are likely to be some of the most unique roles of their acting careers, co-leads Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe give their all to a movie that celebrates the wonder that cinema offers.

Goat

Acquired: January 29By: MTV/Paramount PicturesPurchase Price: just south of $3 million.Director: Andrew NeelStarring: Virginia Gardner, Danny Flaherty, Austin Lyon and Nick JonasOther Info: Screened in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section.Plot Synopsis:

Reeling from a terrifying assault, a 19-year-old boy enrolls in the same college as his brother and pledges his fraternity. Swept up in a world of shotgunning beer, all-night ragers, and hooking-up with nameless coeds, a protective shell forms to mask his insecurities. But as the hazing escalates in the name of “brotherhood,” his loyalty to his brother is tested in brutal ways.Director Andrew Neel’s documentary background is evident as Goat resounds with searing authenticity—rarely has such raw and terrifyingly truthful masculinity been captured on screen. The result exposes the brutal and violent aspects of male culture that lurk beneath the surface of our seemingly controlled society. The entire cast valiantly commits to the challenging roles and, combined with Neel’s assured direction, shine new light on male identity and how it’s formed. Part neorealism, part horror film, Goat is a riveting cinematic experience that is as important as it is brutal.

Brahman Naman

Acquired: January 27By: NetflixPurchase Price: low seven-figure rangeDirector: Q.Starring:  Shashank Arora, Tanmay Dhanania, Sid Mallya, Vaiswath Shankar, Chaitanya Varad, Sindhu Sreenivasa MurthyOther Info: worldwide streaming rightsPlot Synopsis:

It’s the 1980s and Naman (Shashank Arora, star of Cannes hit TITLI) is a know-it-all nerd driven by the whims of his raging hormones. Heading up Bangalore University’s team of bespectacled misfits (best friends Ajay and Ramu), the trio of lusty intellectuals spend the majority of their time on the quizzing circuit, using their winnings to buy nudie magazines, whiskey, and beer, fantasizing about the buxom neighborhood beauty all the while. When the boys qualify for the National Quiz Championships, they make a booze-fuelled train trip across the country determined to defeat their rivals in Calcutta and desperate to lose their virginities along the way.  Unfolding to the tune of the iconic anthem, “Whiskey Bar,” as Naman and his friends run amok against the colorful backdrop of the Indian landscape, his quest for sex and glory is complicated when he finds his intellectual superior in a stunning female quizzer. Directed by Indian filmmaker Q. (known for his controversial cult hit GANDU) BRAHMAN NAMAN is a smart, raucous sex comedy that’s raunchy and endearing in equal measure— replete with innovative masturbation methods that put even Philip Roth’s Alexander Portnoy to shame.

Sleight

Acquired: January 28By: Blumhouse and WWE FilmsPurchase Price: deal was north of $1 millionDirector: JD DillardStarring:  Jacob Latimore, Dulé Hill and Seychelle GabrielOther Info: the plan is for a 1,000-screen release. Read our Sleight review here.Plot Synopsis:

Starring young rising talent Jacob Latimore (The Maze Runner, Ride Along) in a breakout performanceand Dulé Hill (Suits, The West Wing), SLEIGHT blends elements of crime thriller, family drama and sci-fi in a truly groundbreaking spin on the coming of age story.  Latimore stars as Bo, a young street magician who is left to care for his little sister Tina (Storm Reid) following their mother’s passing.  After he turns to dealing drugs, Bo quickly runs into trouble with his supplier Angelo (Dulé Hill) and must rely on his smarts and sleight of hand to save her

The Intervention

Acquired: January 28By: Paramount PicturesPurchase Price: deal was pegged at just north of $2 millionDirector: Clea DuVall (veteran actress best known for roles in ‘Argo’ and HBO’s ‘Carnivale makes her feature directing debut)Starring:  Melanie Lynskey, Clea DuVall, Cobie Smulders, Alia Shawkat, Natasha Lyonne and Ben SchwartzOther Info:Plot Synopsis:

Control freak bride-to-be Annie gathers her group of thirtysomething friends at the picturesque Savannah family summer home of sisters Jessie (writer/director Clea DuVall) and Ruby to convince Ruby and her workaholic husband, Peter, that their relationship has turned irreparably toxic. Joined by Annie’s easygoing fiancé, Jessie’s partner (Sarah), as well as the reluctant Jack and his sprightly 22-year-old girlfriend, the group makes fumbling attempts to jump-start the intervention throughout the booze-fueled weekend, while resolutely avoiding dealing with their own vices and regrets.The Intervention depicts an intensely relatable group of characters as they abandon the façade of being fine and embrace the reality of “fine-adjacent.” In her feature directorial debut, DuVall adeptly balances the performances of her talented ensemble cast, highlighted by complex work by Cobie Smulders as the deeply unhappy Ruby and an effervescent turn by Alia Shawkat as the “baby stranger” interloper, weaving them into a bittersweet dramedy acknowledging how difficult it can be to stop doing the things that hurt us.

Hunt For The Wilderpeople

Acquired: January 26By: The OrchardPurchase Price: $2 millionDirector: Taika WaititiStarring:  Julian Dennison, Sam Neill, Rima Te Miata, Rachel House, Oscar KightleyOther Info: a theatrical release commitment for around 100 markets.Plot Synopsis:

Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella, the cantankerous Uncle Hec, and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family. Equal parts road comedy and coming-of-age drama, director Taika Waititi masterfully weaves lively humor with emotionally honest performances by Sam Neill and Julian Dennison. Never short on laughs, this touching story reminds us about the journey that growing up is (at any age) and those who help us along the way.

Indignation

Acquired: January 25By: Lionsgate’s Summit EntertainmentPurchase Price:upward of $2.5 million for North American rightsDirector: James SchamusStarring: Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, Tracy Letts, Linda Emond, Danny Burstein and Ben RosenfieldOther Info: International rights information here. Read our review here.Plot Synopsis:

In 1951, Marcus Messner escapes the perils of the Korean War draft and the obsessive fears of his overbearing kosher-butcher father in New Jersey with his admission to college in Ohio. Upon arriving at the strictly Christian school, ardent atheist Marcus rejects the assumption that he should integrate into the small Jewish population there, eventually butting heads with the exacting Dean Caudwell over his reluctance to attend chapel and his budding relationship with a beautiful but troubled classmate. As his outrage mounts, Marcus finds himself yearning to shake off his long-held persona of hardworking boy and dutiful son. Academy Award–nominated screenwriter and independent film stalwart James Schamus makes his feature directorial debut with this exquisite period portrait of a young man at a crossroads. Adapting Philip Roth’s novel with warmth and faithfulness, Schamus elicits support from a universally top-of-their-game cast, highlighted by a blistering turn by Logan Lerman as the idealistic, increasingly indignant Marcus.

Equity

Acquired: January 25By: Sony ClassicsPurchase Price:Director: Meera MenonStarring: Anna Gunn, James Purefoy, Sarah Megan Thomas, Alysia Reiner.Other Info: Sony Pictures Classics acquired worldwide rights.Plot Synopsis:

Senior investment banker Naomi Bishop’s (Anna Gunn) world of high-power big money is brutal and fierce, and one she thrives in. When a controversial IPO threatens the fragile balance of power and confidentiality, Naomi finds herself entangled in a web of politics and deception. With an aggressive prosecutor (Alysia Reiner) from her past on her heels, and a strained relationship with her junior, Erin (Sarah Megan Thomas), Naomi is forced to reexamine her own ambitions and the cutthroat world she loves—one where women have yet to break the glass ceiling. Meera Menon’s suspenseful sophomore feature tackles head-on the power structure of Wall Street in the post-financial crisis through the female lens of women fighting for survival in the race to the top. Ambitious and deftly directed, Menon gives us the first female-focused Wall Street drama and proves herself to be a director to watch.

Morris From America

Acquired: January 24By: A24 (US Rights)Purchase Price: n/aDirector: Chad HartiganStarring: Craig Robinson, Carla Juri, Lina Keller, Markees Christmas, Jakub Gierszal, Levin Henning, Patrick Güldenberg, and Eva Löbau. Martin Heisler, Sara Murphy, Adele RomanskiOther Info: Read our movie review here.Plot Synopsis:

Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas) is a 13-year-old, overweight, African-American boy who fancies himself the next Notorious B.I.G. He’s entering puberty, self-conscious, and new to living in Heidelberg, Germany, where nobody else looks or acts like him. His single father Curtis (Craig Robertson) is better at relating to Morris as a friend than a father, bonding with his son over their shared love of music. Initially, Morris only interacts with Curtis and Inka (Carla Juri), his kind – if naïve – German language tutor, but when forced to attend summer classes at a youth center, he instantly falls in love. 15-year-old Katrin (Lina Keller) is just the girl for Morris: rebellious, cool as ice, and not as indifferent toward him as the other kids. As the two begin to develop a slow friendship (albeit one that Morris hopes will be the start of something deeper), Morris drifts further from Curtis, who is having a hard time of his own adjusting to his son’s burgeoning adolescence. In the wake of these changing relationships, Morris risks everything in a journey far outside of his comfort zone toward self-confidence and acceptance in this new, foreign environment. Directed by Chad Hartigan (Sundance’s 2013 Best of Next Winner THIS IS MARTIN BONNER) with perceptive humor and sensitivity, MORRIS FROM AMERICA captures the unique challenges and – ultimately – freedom that can only be found while being a stranger in a strange land.

Eat That Question - Frank Zappa in His Own Words

Acquired: January 23By: Sony Pictures ClassicsPurchase Price:Director: Thorsten SchütteStarring:Other Info:Plot Synopsis: It is only fitting that a comet and a mollusk are named in Frank Zappa’s honor. The famed American musician, composer, and thinker created satirical, operatic interpretations of music that seemed to originate from another world. Thorsten Schütte’s film is a sharply edited and energetic celebration of Zappa through his public persona, allowing us to witness his shifting relationship with audiences. Utilizing potent TV interviews and many forgotten performances from his 30-year career, we are immersed into the musician’s world while experiencing two distinct facets of his complex character. At once Zappa was both a charismatic composer who reveled in the joy of performing and, in the next moment, a fiercely intelligent and brutally honest interviewee whose convictions only got stronger as his career ascended.

Zappa was uncompromising as he led the charge against music censorship in the ’90s and even went on to embrace the role of quasi-cultural ambassador in the Czech Republic. His music and ideas are vital, and they cut across generations, while his goal of freeing the listener from conformity still resonates today.

Resilience

Acquired: January 22By: Brainstorm MediaPurchase Price: n/aDirector: James RedfordStarring: Other Info: Brainstorm Media simultaneously picked up RESILIENCE’s companion film and predecessor, PAPER TIGERS, for DVD and Digital release in North America.Plot Synopsis:

RESILIENCE explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and the effects of Toxic Stress on children. Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous biological syndrome caused by abuse and neglect during childhood. Toxic Stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time and early death. While the broader impacts of poverty worsen the risk, no segment of society is immune. RESILIENCE chronicles the dawn of a movement determined to fight back. Trailblazers in Pediatrics, Education and Social Welfare are using cutting edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the insidious effects of Toxic Stress—the dark legacy of a childhood that no child would choose. KPJR Films was determined to find out why children who experience adverse stress are at serious risk of shorter lifespans.

Tallulah

Acquired: January 12th (pre-fest)By: Netflix (Subscription VOD rights only)Purchase Price: Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but insiders pegged the price as being in the mid-seven figures.Director: Sian Heder (WGA-nominated writer and producer for Orange Is the New Black)Starring: Ellen Page, Allison Janney, Tammy Blanchard, Evan Jonigkeit, Uzo AdubaOther Info: Theatrical rights still open.Plot Synopsis:

A free spirited young woman rescues a toddler from her reckless mother in this dramatic comedy about the unpredictability of life.

Fundamentals of Caring

Acquired: January 15th (pre-fest)By: Netflix (Worldwide Subscription VOD rights only)Purchase Price: The deal is pegged at nearly $7 millionDirector: Rob Burnett (former producer of The Late Show With David Letterman)Starring: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Ehle, Megan Ferguson, Frederick WellerOther Info: The movie will premiere as the fest’s Closing-Night Film. Theatrical rights still open.Plot Synopsis:

Having suffered a tragedy, Ben becomes a caregiver to earn money. His first client, Trevor, is a hilarious 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. One paralyzed emotionally, one paralyzed physically, Ben and Trevor hit the road, finding hope, friendship, and Dot in this funny and touching inspirational tale.

Under The Shadow

Acquired: January 21st (pre-fest)By: Netflix (VOD)Purchase Price: N/ADirector: first-time filmmaker Babak AnvarStarring: Narges Rashid, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi, Ray Haratian, Arash MarandiOther Info:  The movie will premiere as part of the Midnight program. It is set to debut globally on Netflix later this year, shortly after a theatrical or alternative-platform release. The film’s theatrical rights have yet to be acquired.Plot Synopsis:

In 1988 Tehran, Shideh’s attempts to rejoin medical school after getting married and having daughter Dorsa are thwarted as a consequence of her politically active history. Her husband is sent off to serve in the Iran-Iraq War while Iraqi air raids draw perilously close to their own apartment. As she is left alone with Dorsa after neighbors and friends flee from a city in chaos, her daughter becomes increasingly ill and seemingly disturbed. Shideh initially dismisses Dorsa’s tantrums over a missing doll, but she reluctantly comes to suspect that they’ve been targeted by djinn—malevolent spirits that steal from those they seek to possess.

Sand Storm

Acquired: January 11th (pre-fest)By: Beta CinemaPurchase Price: N/ADirector: Elite Zexer (first time director)Starring: Lamis Ammar, Ruba Blal-Asfour, Haytham Omari, Khadija Alakel, Jalal MasarwaOther Info: Arabic-language film, set to world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic CompetitionPlot Synopsis:

As wedding festivities get underway in a Bedouin village in Israel, Jalila finds herself in the awkward position of hosting her husband Suliman’s marriage to a second, much younger wife. During the celebration, Jalila stumbles across her eldest daughter Layla’s involvement with a boy from her university—a strictly forbidden liaison that would shame the family. Burying the indignity of Suliman and his new bride living next door, Jalila also tries to contain Layla’s situation by clamping down on her. But younger and possessed of a boundless spirit, Layla sees a different life for herself.

Weiner

Acquired: January 14th (pre-fest)By: IFC and ShowtimePurchase Price: N/ADirector: Josh Kriegman & Elyse SteinbergStarring: Anthony WeinerOther Info: The buzz worthy doc will premiere on January 24th at the fest as part of the U.S. Documentary Competition. The film will go out through IFC’s Sundance Selects label and be released on May 20, and will later make its worldwide TV debut in the fall on Showtime.Plot Synopsis:

With unprecedented access to Anthony Weiner, as he mounts his New York City mayoral campaign, WEINER is a thrilling look inside his impending political meltdown. What begins as an unexpected comeback from being a disgraced ex-congressman takes a sharp turn once Weiner is forced to admit to new sexting allegations. As the media descends and dissects his every move, Weiner desperately tries to forge ahead, but the increasing pressure and crippling 24-hour news coverage halt his political aspirations dead in their tracks. WEINER teeters the line between political farce and personal tragedy.  With the city of New York as a loud and bustling backdrop, this documentary charges through an increasingly baffling political campaign with unflinching clarity, humor, and pathos. 100 m.

Movies Sold At Sundance 2016: A Complete & Updated Guide

By Peter Sciretta/Feb. 22, 2016 6:30 am EST

Movies Sold At Sundance 2016 Distributor Breakdown

These Movies Sold at Sundance 2016

We will be updating this post with 2016 Sundance Film Festival acquisitions throughout the festival. The post is organized from newest to oldest, with the latest acquisitions on the top.

Belgica

Acquired: February 17By: NetflixPurchase Price:Director: Felix van GroeningenStarring: Stef Aerts, Tom Vermeir, Charlotte Vandermeersch, Hélène DevosOther Info: Global exclusive SVOD rightsPlot Synopsis:

Belgica is the story of two brothers: charismatic and temperamental Frank—a husband, father, and an incurable womanizer—and his ambitious-but-green, one-eyed younger brother Jo, who owns a dive bar called Belgica. When Frank helps Belgica become the place to be for great music, beautiful people, and debauched fun, the brothers become business partners to expand the bar. Belgica quickly becomes bigger and better, and the brothers seem to have discovered the formula for success—until they learn that running a business on this scale is more complicated than they realized, and their relationship and personal lives suffer. Writer/director Felix van Groeningen (who directed the Academy Award–nominated Broken Circle Breakdown) bathes the screen in golden hues and kinetic energy, creating an immersive experience of the excess and euphoria of being in the hottest nightclub in town. Set to the eclectic sounds of acclaimed Belgian band Soulwax, this precisely crafted, fast-paced tale shows the brothers’ intoxicating ascent to success—and the crash and burn that follows. Belgica is about living in the moment and realizing that moving forward is not only inevitable but necessary.

Writer/director Felix van Groeningen (who directed the Academy Award–nominated Broken Circle Breakdown) bathes the screen in golden hues and kinetic energy, creating an immersive experience of the excess and euphoria of being in the hottest nightclub in town. Set to the eclectic sounds of acclaimed Belgian band Soulwax, this precisely crafted, fast-paced tale shows the brothers’ intoxicating ascent to success—and the crash and burn that follows. Belgica is about living in the moment and realizing that moving forward is not only inevitable but necessary.

White Girl

Acquired: February 17By: NetflixPurchase Price:Director: Elizabeth WoodStarring: Morgan Saylor, Brian ‘Sene’ Marc, Justin Bartha, Chris Noth, India Menuez, Adrian MartinezOther Info: SVOD only — theatrical distributor TBDPlot Synopsis:

The cross section between New York’s mean streets and its gentrified alcoves makes for potent social satire in Elizabeth Wood’s tough and exhilarating debut. Equipped with platinum blonde hair and a winning smile, college girl Leah (Morgan Saylor) seeks out pleasure in any form. She has two weeks before fall semester, and in between getting high with her roommate and snorting lines with her boss, she finds time to hit it off with a handsome, young Puerto Rican drug dealer named Blue. Within days, the two are selling dime bags to her affluent white colleagues, collecting fast cash, and living the high life. But their euphoria comes to a grinding halt once Blue is arrested and Leah’s left with a hefty amount of his coke. Does she sell it to save him or use it herself? Shot with a sharp eye for New York City, White Girl thrashes through an increasingly high-stakes game of hedonism where unspoken socio-economic tensions coupled with a blatant disregard for consequence converge into a shocking commentary on today’s youth culture. Saylor and Wood are forces to be reckoned with, unleashing a torrent of vulnerability and confidence that will leave audiences enticed and unsettled.

Shot with a sharp eye for New York City, White Girl thrashes through an increasingly high-stakes game of hedonism where unspoken socio-economic tensions coupled with a blatant disregard for consequence converge into a shocking commentary on today’s youth culture. Saylor and Wood are forces to be reckoned with, unleashing a torrent of vulnerability and confidence that will leave audiences enticed and unsettled.

NUTS!

Utilizing hilariously cheeky animation and the writings of Brinkley himself (whose dubious memoir provides the narration for this true story), filmmaker Penny Lane injects her audacious tale with humor and empathy. We’re reminded that our love of (and need for) compelling narratives is exactly what makes us so endlessly susceptible to being conned. But don’t be fooled here; Penny Lane is the real deal.

The Eyes Of My Mother

Acquired: February 12By: MagnetPurchase Price: n/aDirector: Nicolas PesceStarring:  Kika Magalhães, Will Brill, Paul Nazak, Flora Diaz, Clara Wong, Diana AgostiniOther Info: Worldwide rightsPlot Synopsis:

In their secluded farmhouse, a mother, formerly a surgeon in Portugal, teaches her daughter, Francisca, to understand anatomy and be unfazed by death. One afternoon, a mysterious visitor horrifyingly shatters the idyll of Francisca’s family life, deeply traumatizing the young girl, but also awakening some unique curiosities. Though she clings to her increasingly reticent father, Francisca’s loneliness and scarred nature converge years later when her longing to connect with the world around her takes on a distinctly dark form.Shot in crisp black and white, the haunting, and at times disturbing, visual compositions of The Eyes of My Mother evoke its protagonist’s isolation and illuminate her deeply unbalanced worldview. Genre-inflected, but so strikingly unique as to defy categorization, writer/director Nicolas Pesce’s assured feature debut allows us only an elliptical presence in Francisca’s world, guiding our imaginations to follow her into peculiar, secret places.

Southside With You

Acquired: February 12By: Miramax/RoadsidePurchase Price: n/aDirector: Richard TanneStarring: Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers star as Michelle and BarackOther Info: North American rightsPlot Synopsis:

One Chicago afternoon in 1989, a Harvard Law summer associate named Barack Obama finagled a tête-à-tête with an attorney from the prestigious corporate law firm where they both worked. Her name was Michelle Robinson, and his pretense was a friendly outing to a community organizer meeting. In Michelle’s eyes, it was most certainly not a date. But as ice cream gives way to a stop at the Art Institute, and the community gathering conveniently becomes a chance for Barack to lecture brilliantly on activism, it’s stunningly obvious to Michelle that this cigarette-smoking smooth talker is desperately trying to woo her. As their epic encounter continues into evening and these fiercely bright minds go head-to-head, sparks fly.Southside With You takes plenty of poetic license to craft this charming, playful story out of true-life events, yet actors Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers embody the essence of two people matched in power, idealism, and intellect. As the second Obama presidential term winds down, it’s profound to consider just how serendipitous and consequential that day in 1989 was—not just for Michelle and Barack, but for America.

Christine

Acquired: February 4By: The OrchardPurchase Price:Director: Antonio CamposStarring: Rebecca Hall, Michael C. Hall, Maria Dizzia, Tracy Letts, J. Smith-CameronOther Info:Plot Synopsis: Christine (Rebecca Hall) is an ambitious 29-year-old news reporter in Sarasota, Florida, circa 1974. Relentlessly motivated to succeed, she knows she has talent, but being a driven career woman in the 1970s comes with its own challenges, especially when competition for a promotion, unrequited love for a coworker, and a tumultuous home life lead to a dissolution of self. With ratings in the cellar, WZRB’s station manager issues a mandate to deliver juicier and more exploitative stories, a style firmly at odds with Christine’s serious brand of issue-based journalism. To accomplish her goals, she must overcome her self-doubt and give the people what they want.

Life, Animated

The Hollars

Acquired: January 29By: Sony ClassicsPurchase Price:Director: John KrasinskiStarring: Krasinski, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, Anna Kendrick, Charlie Day, Josh Groban, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Randall Park.Other Info: Sony Pictures Classics acquired all rights in the U.S. and Asia. Read our review here.Plot Synopsis:

John Krasinski’s big-hearted family comedy takes a touching look at the ties that bind. Krasinski plays John Hollar, a frustrated graphic novelist anxiously awaiting the birth of his baby with girlfriend, Rebecca (Anna Kendrick). When his mother, Sally (Margo Martindale), is diagnosed with a brain tumor, John flies back home, where denial runs deep in the family tree. While his loving but fractured family pulls together to prepare Sally for surgery, John takes a second look at the life he left behind.Krasinski, last seen at the Sundance Film Festival with his directorial debut Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (2009), takes a gentle approach to the dysfunctional Hollar clan, leavening the heart-tugging drama with inspired character-driven comedy. The large ensemble cast (including Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, Josh Groban, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Mary Kay Place) gives the relationships a lived-in feeling, while Krasinski offers a warm, funny, warts-and-all look at the importance of family.

The Eagle Huntress

Acquired: February 1stBy: Sony Pictures ClassicsPurchase Price:  mid-seven-figure deal that includes select international territories including Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Germany, Scandinavia and Asia.Director: Otto BellStarring: Other Info: One of the best reviewed documentaries at the festival. Star Wars star Daisy Ridley came on board as executive producer.Plot Synopsis:

A teenager girl named Ashol-Pan living in the mountains of northwestern Mongolia becomes an eagle huntress.

Frank And Lola

Acquired: January 29By: UniversalPurchase Price:  Universal has made a deal for most of the world for a minimum guarantee north of $2 millionDirector: Matthew M. RossStarring: Imogen Poots, Michael Shannon, Justin Long, Michael Nyqvist, Emmanuelle Devos and Rosanna Arquette.Other Info:Plot Synopsis:

Frank is a brooding, staunch Las Vegas chef who always focused his energy into his culinary talents—until he meets Lola, a young and beautiful enigma. Together, Frank and Lola build an intense relationship that saves each other from their mutual despair. Cracks begin to show after Lola suddenly cheats on Frank, which leads to Frank’s evolving mistrust of Lola and a growing obsession with an imposing man from her past. As Frank is given the chance to cook for a famed Parisian restaurateur, he is overcome by extreme thoughts of betrayal, causing him to seek revenge and answers. But what he learns about Lola is not black and white, and trust gives way to a web of deceit.Filmmaker Matthew Ross’s debut feature is a psychosexual noir love story that plays with slighted emotions and the nuances of manipulation. In a seductive, layered role, Imogen Poots holds her own with Michael Shannon’s subtle, complex portrayal of Frank. Brash supporting characters; include Justin Long and Michael Nyqvist, who round out this world of shifting trusts that asks us who we can believe in.

The Lovers and the Despot

Acquired: January 29By: MagnoliaPurchase Price: n/aDirector: Robert Cannan and Ross AdamStarring: Other Info: Part of the World Documentary competition. All international rights are available through Magnolia International.Plot Synopsis:

They were the Brangelina of ’70s South Korea—the romance between the debonair film director Shin Sang-ok and glamorous actress Choi Eun-hee took them to the heights of South Korean society. Fame took a toll on their love, but it also attracted unbelievable twists of fate. The two find themselves kidnapped by the North Korean regime, and they are forced to play along with a bizarre filmmaking project led by superfan cinephile Kim Jong-il. Enduring torture, imprisonment, and surveillance, their romance is rekindled, and they realize escape is only possible through filmmaking—but the smallest mistake in their plans could cost them their lives. This film noir of the most twisted order is meticulously crafted with an analog-loving sensibility, offering incredible archive footage of the era that even includes rare clandestine audio recordings of Jong-il discussing his plot for a cinematic paradise. The tapes deliver a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into the psychology of the North Korean dictatorship and what happens when art, love, and megalomania collide.

Swiss Army Man

Acquired: January 29By: A24Purchase Price: n/aDirector: Daniel Scheinert and Daniel KwanStarring: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth WinsteadOther Info: The film premiered Jan. 22 in the U.S. Dramatic section. Read our review here.Plot Synopsis:

Alone on a tiny deserted island, Hank has given up all hope of ever making it home again. But one day everything changes when a dead body washes ashore, and he soon realizes it may be his last opportunity to escape certain death. Armed with his new “friend” and an unusual bag of tricks, the duo go on an epic adventure to bring Hank back to the woman of his dreams.Music video gurus “The Daniels,” a.k.a. Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, craft a wholly original debut feature bursting with limitless creativity both in content and form. Their consistently surprising script spans a wide range of emotions: from the ridiculously absurd to a touching exploration of what it means to be human. Given what are likely to be some of the most unique roles of their acting careers, co-leads Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe give their all to a movie that celebrates the wonder that cinema offers.

Goat

Acquired: January 29By: MTV/Paramount PicturesPurchase Price: just south of $3 million.Director: Andrew NeelStarring: Virginia Gardner, Danny Flaherty, Austin Lyon and Nick JonasOther Info: Screened in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section.Plot Synopsis:

Reeling from a terrifying assault, a 19-year-old boy enrolls in the same college as his brother and pledges his fraternity. Swept up in a world of shotgunning beer, all-night ragers, and hooking-up with nameless coeds, a protective shell forms to mask his insecurities. But as the hazing escalates in the name of “brotherhood,” his loyalty to his brother is tested in brutal ways.Director Andrew Neel’s documentary background is evident as Goat resounds with searing authenticity—rarely has such raw and terrifyingly truthful masculinity been captured on screen. The result exposes the brutal and violent aspects of male culture that lurk beneath the surface of our seemingly controlled society. The entire cast valiantly commits to the challenging roles and, combined with Neel’s assured direction, shine new light on male identity and how it’s formed. Part neorealism, part horror film, Goat is a riveting cinematic experience that is as important as it is brutal.

LO AND BEHOLD: Reveries Of The Connected World

Audrie & Daisy

Brahman Naman

Acquired: January 27By: NetflixPurchase Price: low seven-figure rangeDirector: Q.Starring:  Shashank Arora, Tanmay Dhanania, Sid Mallya, Vaiswath Shankar, Chaitanya Varad, Sindhu Sreenivasa MurthyOther Info: worldwide streaming rightsPlot Synopsis:

It’s the 1980s and Naman (Shashank Arora, star of Cannes hit TITLI) is a know-it-all nerd driven by the whims of his raging hormones. Heading up Bangalore University’s team of bespectacled misfits (best friends Ajay and Ramu), the trio of lusty intellectuals spend the majority of their time on the quizzing circuit, using their winnings to buy nudie magazines, whiskey, and beer, fantasizing about the buxom neighborhood beauty all the while. When the boys qualify for the National Quiz Championships, they make a booze-fuelled train trip across the country determined to defeat their rivals in Calcutta and desperate to lose their virginities along the way.  Unfolding to the tune of the iconic anthem, “Whiskey Bar,” as Naman and his friends run amok against the colorful backdrop of the Indian landscape, his quest for sex and glory is complicated when he finds his intellectual superior in a stunning female quizzer. Directed by Indian filmmaker Q. (known for his controversial cult hit GANDU) BRAHMAN NAMAN is a smart, raucous sex comedy that’s raunchy and endearing in equal measure— replete with innovative masturbation methods that put even Philip Roth’s Alexander Portnoy to shame.

Sleight

Acquired: January 28By: Blumhouse and WWE FilmsPurchase Price: deal was north of $1 millionDirector: JD DillardStarring:  Jacob Latimore, Dulé Hill and Seychelle GabrielOther Info: the plan is for a 1,000-screen release. Read our Sleight review here.Plot Synopsis:

Starring young rising talent Jacob Latimore (The Maze Runner, Ride Along) in a breakout performanceand Dulé Hill (Suits, The West Wing), SLEIGHT blends elements of crime thriller, family drama and sci-fi in a truly groundbreaking spin on the coming of age story.  Latimore stars as Bo, a young street magician who is left to care for his little sister Tina (Storm Reid) following their mother’s passing.  After he turns to dealing drugs, Bo quickly runs into trouble with his supplier Angelo (Dulé Hill) and must rely on his smarts and sleight of hand to save her

The Intervention

Acquired: January 28By: Paramount PicturesPurchase Price: deal was pegged at just north of $2 millionDirector: Clea DuVall (veteran actress best known for roles in ‘Argo’ and HBO’s ‘Carnivale makes her feature directing debut)Starring:  Melanie Lynskey, Clea DuVall, Cobie Smulders, Alia Shawkat, Natasha Lyonne and Ben SchwartzOther Info:Plot Synopsis:

Control freak bride-to-be Annie gathers her group of thirtysomething friends at the picturesque Savannah family summer home of sisters Jessie (writer/director Clea DuVall) and Ruby to convince Ruby and her workaholic husband, Peter, that their relationship has turned irreparably toxic. Joined by Annie’s easygoing fiancé, Jessie’s partner (Sarah), as well as the reluctant Jack and his sprightly 22-year-old girlfriend, the group makes fumbling attempts to jump-start the intervention throughout the booze-fueled weekend, while resolutely avoiding dealing with their own vices and regrets.The Intervention depicts an intensely relatable group of characters as they abandon the façade of being fine and embrace the reality of “fine-adjacent.” In her feature directorial debut, DuVall adeptly balances the performances of her talented ensemble cast, highlighted by complex work by Cobie Smulders as the deeply unhappy Ruby and an effervescent turn by Alia Shawkat as the “baby stranger” interloper, weaving them into a bittersweet dramedy acknowledging how difficult it can be to stop doing the things that hurt us.

Hunt For The Wilderpeople

Acquired: January 26By: The OrchardPurchase Price: $2 millionDirector: Taika WaititiStarring:  Julian Dennison, Sam Neill, Rima Te Miata, Rachel House, Oscar KightleyOther Info: a theatrical release commitment for around 100 markets.Plot Synopsis:

Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella, the cantankerous Uncle Hec, and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family. Equal parts road comedy and coming-of-age drama, director Taika Waititi masterfully weaves lively humor with emotionally honest performances by Sam Neill and Julian Dennison. Never short on laughs, this touching story reminds us about the journey that growing up is (at any age) and those who help us along the way.

Wiener-Dog

The Birth Of A Nation

Indignation

Acquired: January 25By: Lionsgate’s Summit EntertainmentPurchase Price:upward of $2.5 million for North American rightsDirector: James SchamusStarring: Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, Tracy Letts, Linda Emond, Danny Burstein and Ben RosenfieldOther Info: International rights information here. Read our review here.Plot Synopsis:

In 1951, Marcus Messner escapes the perils of the Korean War draft and the obsessive fears of his overbearing kosher-butcher father in New Jersey with his admission to college in Ohio. Upon arriving at the strictly Christian school, ardent atheist Marcus rejects the assumption that he should integrate into the small Jewish population there, eventually butting heads with the exacting Dean Caudwell over his reluctance to attend chapel and his budding relationship with a beautiful but troubled classmate. As his outrage mounts, Marcus finds himself yearning to shake off his long-held persona of hardworking boy and dutiful son. Academy Award–nominated screenwriter and independent film stalwart James Schamus makes his feature directorial debut with this exquisite period portrait of a young man at a crossroads. Adapting Philip Roth’s novel with warmth and faithfulness, Schamus elicits support from a universally top-of-their-game cast, highlighted by a blistering turn by Logan Lerman as the idealistic, increasingly indignant Marcus.

Academy Award–nominated screenwriter and independent film stalwart James Schamus makes his feature directorial debut with this exquisite period portrait of a young man at a crossroads. Adapting Philip Roth’s novel with warmth and faithfulness, Schamus elicits support from a universally top-of-their-game cast, highlighted by a blistering turn by Logan Lerman as the idealistic, increasingly indignant Marcus.

Author: The JT Leroy Story

Equity

Acquired: January 25By: Sony ClassicsPurchase Price:Director: Meera MenonStarring: Anna Gunn, James Purefoy, Sarah Megan Thomas, Alysia Reiner.Other Info: Sony Pictures Classics acquired worldwide rights.Plot Synopsis:

Senior investment banker Naomi Bishop’s (Anna Gunn) world of high-power big money is brutal and fierce, and one she thrives in. When a controversial IPO threatens the fragile balance of power and confidentiality, Naomi finds herself entangled in a web of politics and deception. With an aggressive prosecutor (Alysia Reiner) from her past on her heels, and a strained relationship with her junior, Erin (Sarah Megan Thomas), Naomi is forced to reexamine her own ambitions and the cutthroat world she loves—one where women have yet to break the glass ceiling. Meera Menon’s suspenseful sophomore feature tackles head-on the power structure of Wall Street in the post-financial crisis through the female lens of women fighting for survival in the race to the top. Ambitious and deftly directed, Menon gives us the first female-focused Wall Street drama and proves herself to be a director to watch.

Meera Menon’s suspenseful sophomore feature tackles head-on the power structure of Wall Street in the post-financial crisis through the female lens of women fighting for survival in the race to the top. Ambitious and deftly directed, Menon gives us the first female-focused Wall Street drama and proves herself to be a director to watch.

Morris From America

Acquired: January 24By: A24 (US Rights)Purchase Price: n/aDirector: Chad HartiganStarring: Craig Robinson, Carla Juri, Lina Keller, Markees Christmas, Jakub Gierszal, Levin Henning, Patrick Güldenberg, and Eva Löbau. Martin Heisler, Sara Murphy, Adele RomanskiOther Info: Read our movie review here.Plot Synopsis:

Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas) is a 13-year-old, overweight, African-American boy who fancies himself the next Notorious B.I.G. He’s entering puberty, self-conscious, and new to living in Heidelberg, Germany, where nobody else looks or acts like him. His single father Curtis (Craig Robertson) is better at relating to Morris as a friend than a father, bonding with his son over their shared love of music. Initially, Morris only interacts with Curtis and Inka (Carla Juri), his kind – if naïve – German language tutor, but when forced to attend summer classes at a youth center, he instantly falls in love. 15-year-old Katrin (Lina Keller) is just the girl for Morris: rebellious, cool as ice, and not as indifferent toward him as the other kids. As the two begin to develop a slow friendship (albeit one that Morris hopes will be the start of something deeper), Morris drifts further from Curtis, who is having a hard time of his own adjusting to his son’s burgeoning adolescence. In the wake of these changing relationships, Morris risks everything in a journey far outside of his comfort zone toward self-confidence and acceptance in this new, foreign environment. Directed by Chad Hartigan (Sundance’s 2013 Best of Next Winner THIS IS MARTIN BONNER) with perceptive humor and sensitivity, MORRIS FROM AMERICA captures the unique challenges and – ultimately – freedom that can only be found while being a stranger in a strange land.

Eat That Question - Frank Zappa in His Own Words

Acquired: January 23By: Sony Pictures ClassicsPurchase Price:Director: Thorsten SchütteStarring:Other Info:Plot Synopsis: It is only fitting that a comet and a mollusk are named in Frank Zappa’s honor. The famed American musician, composer, and thinker created satirical, operatic interpretations of music that seemed to originate from another world. Thorsten Schütte’s film is a sharply edited and energetic celebration of Zappa through his public persona, allowing us to witness his shifting relationship with audiences. Utilizing potent TV interviews and many forgotten performances from his 30-year career, we are immersed into the musician’s world while experiencing two distinct facets of his complex character. At once Zappa was both a charismatic composer who reveled in the joy of performing and, in the next moment, a fiercely intelligent and brutally honest interviewee whose convictions only got stronger as his career ascended.

Zappa was uncompromising as he led the charge against music censorship in the ’90s and even went on to embrace the role of quasi-cultural ambassador in the Czech Republic. His music and ideas are vital, and they cut across generations, while his goal of freeing the listener from conformity still resonates today.

Thorsten Schütte’s film is a sharply edited and energetic celebration of Zappa through his public persona, allowing us to witness his shifting relationship with audiences. Utilizing potent TV interviews and many forgotten performances from his 30-year career, we are immersed into the musician’s world while experiencing two distinct facets of his complex character. At once Zappa was both a charismatic composer who reveled in the joy of performing and, in the next moment, a fiercely intelligent and brutally honest interviewee whose convictions only got stronger as his career ascended.

Zappa was uncompromising as he led the charge against music censorship in the ’90s and even went on to embrace the role of quasi-cultural ambassador in the Czech Republic. His music and ideas are vital, and they cut across generations, while his goal of freeing the listener from conformity still resonates today.

Resilience

Acquired: January 22By: Brainstorm MediaPurchase Price: n/aDirector: James RedfordStarring: Other Info: Brainstorm Media simultaneously picked up RESILIENCE’s companion film and predecessor, PAPER TIGERS, for DVD and Digital release in North America.Plot Synopsis:

RESILIENCE explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and the effects of Toxic Stress on children. Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous biological syndrome caused by abuse and neglect during childhood. Toxic Stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time and early death. While the broader impacts of poverty worsen the risk, no segment of society is immune. RESILIENCE chronicles the dawn of a movement determined to fight back. Trailblazers in Pediatrics, Education and Social Welfare are using cutting edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the insidious effects of Toxic Stress—the dark legacy of a childhood that no child would choose. KPJR Films was determined to find out why children who experience adverse stress are at serious risk of shorter lifespans.

Love & Friendship

Tallulah

Acquired: January 12th (pre-fest)By: Netflix (Subscription VOD rights only)Purchase Price: Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but insiders pegged the price as being in the mid-seven figures.Director: Sian Heder (WGA-nominated writer and producer for Orange Is the New Black)Starring: Ellen Page, Allison Janney, Tammy Blanchard, Evan Jonigkeit, Uzo AdubaOther Info: Theatrical rights still open.Plot Synopsis:

A free spirited young woman rescues a toddler from her reckless mother in this dramatic comedy about the unpredictability of life.

Fundamentals of Caring

Acquired: January 15th (pre-fest)By: Netflix (Worldwide Subscription VOD rights only)Purchase Price: The deal is pegged at nearly $7 millionDirector: Rob Burnett (former producer of The Late Show With David Letterman)Starring: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Ehle, Megan Ferguson, Frederick WellerOther Info: The movie will premiere as the fest’s Closing-Night Film. Theatrical rights still open.Plot Synopsis:

Having suffered a tragedy, Ben becomes a caregiver to earn money. His first client, Trevor, is a hilarious 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. One paralyzed emotionally, one paralyzed physically, Ben and Trevor hit the road, finding hope, friendship, and Dot in this funny and touching inspirational tale.

Complete Unknown

Under The Shadow

Acquired: January 21st (pre-fest)By: Netflix (VOD)Purchase Price: N/ADirector: first-time filmmaker Babak AnvarStarring: Narges Rashid, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi, Ray Haratian, Arash MarandiOther Info:  The movie will premiere as part of the Midnight program. It is set to debut globally on Netflix later this year, shortly after a theatrical or alternative-platform release. The film’s theatrical rights have yet to be acquired.Plot Synopsis:

In 1988 Tehran, Shideh’s attempts to rejoin medical school after getting married and having daughter Dorsa are thwarted as a consequence of her politically active history. Her husband is sent off to serve in the Iran-Iraq War while Iraqi air raids draw perilously close to their own apartment. As she is left alone with Dorsa after neighbors and friends flee from a city in chaos, her daughter becomes increasingly ill and seemingly disturbed. Shideh initially dismisses Dorsa’s tantrums over a missing doll, but she reluctantly comes to suspect that they’ve been targeted by djinn—malevolent spirits that steal from those they seek to possess.

The Fits

Sand Storm

Acquired: January 11th (pre-fest)By: Beta CinemaPurchase Price: N/ADirector: Elite Zexer (first time director)Starring: Lamis Ammar, Ruba Blal-Asfour, Haytham Omari, Khadija Alakel, Jalal MasarwaOther Info: Arabic-language film, set to world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic CompetitionPlot Synopsis:

As wedding festivities get underway in a Bedouin village in Israel, Jalila finds herself in the awkward position of hosting her husband Suliman’s marriage to a second, much younger wife. During the celebration, Jalila stumbles across her eldest daughter Layla’s involvement with a boy from her university—a strictly forbidden liaison that would shame the family. Burying the indignity of Suliman and his new bride living next door, Jalila also tries to contain Layla’s situation by clamping down on her. But younger and possessed of a boundless spirit, Layla sees a different life for herself.

Weiner

Acquired: January 14th (pre-fest)By: IFC and ShowtimePurchase Price: N/ADirector: Josh Kriegman & Elyse SteinbergStarring: Anthony WeinerOther Info: The buzz worthy doc will premiere on January 24th at the fest as part of the U.S. Documentary Competition. The film will go out through IFC’s Sundance Selects label and be released on May 20, and will later make its worldwide TV debut in the fall on Showtime.Plot Synopsis:

With unprecedented access to Anthony Weiner, as he mounts his New York City mayoral campaign, WEINER is a thrilling look inside his impending political meltdown. What begins as an unexpected comeback from being a disgraced ex-congressman takes a sharp turn once Weiner is forced to admit to new sexting allegations. As the media descends and dissects his every move, Weiner desperately tries to forge ahead, but the increasing pressure and crippling 24-hour news coverage halt his political aspirations dead in their tracks. WEINER teeters the line between political farce and personal tragedy.  With the city of New York as a loud and bustling backdrop, this documentary charges through an increasingly baffling political campaign with unflinching clarity, humor, and pathos. 100 m.