There are always more movies to see, and this year I am proud to share that I will be attending the Sundance Film Festival in person. That’s right, Nerdbot will be on the ground, seeking out some of the best independent voices working in cinema. Sundance is unique as the first major festival of the season, setting the precedent for what we can expect for the rest of the year in film.
International cinema, drama, thriller, comedy, directorial debuts and fascinating documentaries all make up the 2025 line up, and we’ve got some docs that we want to put on your radar. Whether you’re heading to the festival or just keeping a watchlist of anticipated films, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at a few documentaries we want to shout out before we arrive in Park City for the run, January 23rd-February 2nd.
“Cutting Through Rocks“
Iranian cinema is having a resurgence stateside as of late, and “Cutting Through Rocks” is the latest outing examining the complicated life under religious and traditional rule. Directed by Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni, the film follows newly elected councilwoman Sarah Shahverdi in a remote Iranian village often ruled by tradition and patriarchy. Her election is unprecedented, and is met with incredible opposition from all of her fellow male counterparts, countless villagers and even her own family. “Cutting Through Rocks” focuses on Sarah’s resilience and fight for change in a land that wants neither, highlighting the challenges that threaten her standing and life as she tries to empower the young girls and change archaic laws. Advocacy for change and tenacity to do so come at a cost, and “Cutting Through Rocks” never shies away from Sarah’s struggle.
It is a fascinating look at life in the remote parts of Iran, and it took Khaki and Eyni years to not only compile their footage, but to even be allowed to film Sarah’s journey on location. Definitely catch this one if you can!
“Coexistence, My Ass“
Another tale of advocacy for change, “Coexistence, My Ass” takes a more unconventional approach. Directed by Amber Fares, the film follows activist turned stand up comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi as she pursues different avenues of getting her voice heard about extremely sensitive topics. Spliced between her global activist work and her one woman show of the same name, “Coexistence, My Ass” confronts the hard truths of the Middle East, particularly the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. An incredibly difficult topic for anyone, Noam approaches it with biting wit and warm yet unflinching satire from lived experience, and Fares helps shed light on Noam’s worldview through her past, activist work, and struggles as her voice becomes louder and louder. Despite a growing opposition of her outspoken criticisms even when disguised as comedy, “Coexistence, My Ass” shines a bright light on Noam’s fighting spirit and ideas for change. She may be beaten sometimes, but she is never broken, and will always have the last word with a punchline no matter the hate spewed at her from pundits unwilling to hear her message. “Coexistence, My Ass” is unique to say the least, and it is definitely one to put on your radar.
“Middletown“
This one has been on my priority list since the Sundance Schedule was announced. Everything about the synopsis spoke to me, and while I was not a fan of Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine last outing “The Mission,” I greatly enjoyed their other work. “Middletown” is a return to form for the filmmakers, a strange but captivating story about young investigative journalism and the power of persistence even when it seems like you’re just treading water. “Middletown” follows a group of high school students on an assignment to investigate possible contamination in their water supply due to an abandoned land fill, and uncover a massive cover up conspiracy that involves politicians, countless corporations, and even the mafia. There is a deep awareness that Moss and McBaine bring to their subject matter and subjects, allowing room for all perspectives of “Middletown” to be considered as you travel down the rabbit hole. It also shines a light on creativity and passion among students for learning as the begin to question the world around them and challenge adults to confront harsh truths. Told through their own voices, “Middletown” never loses focus even as the story gets wider and wilder. It can be a challenge to match the hype of a film sight unseen, but “Middletown” is a fantastic documentary that met my excitement and I would highly encourage everyone to check this out soon!
There are plenty more documentaries to be excited for, so keep checking back for more coverage on the ground, live from Sundance 2025.
