A new year brings new movies, and kicking things off as usual is the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. A beautiful haven for independent and documentary filmmaking, Sundance celebrates its last year in Park City, Utah before moving to Boulder, CO in 2027. We are so excited to return to the snow covered mountains and secluded ski town to discover new films and set the precedent for the rest of the year. With so many films to choose from, we’ve been hard at work sifting through the slate and trying to catch as many as we possibly can. Thankfully, we’ve been able to preview a few films ahead of arriving in Park City and want to highlight them here!
Here are a few films to put on your radar, whether you’re heading to Sundance in person, screening them virtually, or just want to know what to watch out for later in the year!
“Birds of War“
As each passing day descends into chaos, conflicts around the world continue to erupt or drag on, often filled with horrific loss and violence. “Birds of War” finds love in a hopeless place, and follows a journalist covering those conflicts and a photographer/activist on the frontlines who find each other and fall in love amid their war torn coverage. “Birds of War” is a film that will have you stunned at the harrowing footage the two are able to uncover one minute and smiling with hope as you watch them grow closer over their 13 year careers. It is beautiful, riveting, and hopeful even as tragedy and danger surround them, making “Birds of War” a must watch of Sundance and a different kind of war documentary.
“Everybody to Kenmure Street“
I am absolutely certain that “Everybody to Kenmure Street” is unaware just how timely it’s story actually is given everything going on the US with immigration tactics. A pressure cooker of a doc, “Everybody to Kenmure Street” takes us to a quiet street in a diverse neighborhood in Scotland where one morning an Immigration van rolls in and detains two members of their community. The community responds in ways you can’t even imagine, slowly but surely amassing an huge crowd that grows and grows and essentially detains the van itself until the men are released. It is an incredible tale of organic activism and peaceful but effective protest, demonstrating the power of the people and what happens a community rallies together to defend their home. “Everybody to Kenmure Street” leaves an indelible effect on me given the current climate, and I think this one’s gonna make some waves when more people check it out. Put this on your radar, folks!
“The Last First: Winter K2“
A pursuit of greatness and conquest that left 5 dead, “The Last First: Winter K2” is the tragic tale of good intentions gone horribly wrong and exposes the faults of commercialization, social media, sensationalism and ego that causes corners to be cut and lives to be lost. It’s a deep dive into the sport of alpinism and the tensions in that community that spilled over at the worst possible climbing mission. The mountain itself is already uncontrolled chaos, so a massive collection of people – many unqualified to even attempt such a dangerous climb – added to the mix only makes everything even more chaotic. It’s a recipe for disaster and sadly that disaster came, with “The Last First: Winter K2” capturing it all. Intriguing, harrowing, tragic and always engaging, this is one you’ll definitely want to put on your radar and see if you can!
“Seized“
As a film journalist, I’m a little biased towards a documentary about journalism. “Seized” plays like a small town thriller, one that follows the events of a improper raid on the Marion County record and the years long fallout from the events. Told through bodycam and surveillance footage, “Seized” peels back the curtain of what happens when constitutional rights are violated and the lasting effects that can have on a tiny town where everyone knows everyone. It’s light on its feet despite the subject matter having larger implications, and sparks a heated debate surrounding journalistic integrity and cost of trying to get at the truth on all sides of it. Twists and turns and larger than life characters, “Seized” is best of both worlds: a crowd pleasing package that delivers a much deeper, timely message. Seek this one out at Sundance!
“Jaripeo“
One thing I love about Sundance documentaries is how much they reveal about the world around us, opening doors to places and subjects we never even knew existed. “Jaripeo” is one of those discoveries, a gorgeously shot exploration of masculinity amid rodeo pageantry and an imbedded queer community that exists amid the machismo cowboy culture. It’s vulnerable and raw, wrestling with identity and self acceptance as it examines a wide range of queerness and their place in the overly masculine community. “Jaripeo” may be a shorter documentary, but its impact is long lasting with its stunning visuals and deeply personal look at an often overlooked community. If you’re looking for something different but something that is sure to leave a lasting impression, “Jaripeo” is an excellent choice.
Many more films to come from Sundance 2026. Check back for more and other film and news coverage.
