A remarkable seven Scottish films have been selected to feature at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, setting a record for representation from Scotland. The festival will take place in Park City, Utah, from January 22 to February 1, 2024. Five of these films receive backing from Screen Scotland, highlighting the growing prominence of Scottish cinema on the international stage.
Among the notable selections is The Incomer, directed by Louis Paxton, which has been designated as the opening night film for the Next category. This segment is known for showcasing innovative, low-budget independent films that challenge conventional storytelling. The film, set on a Scottish island, follows two siblings striving to protect their home from “incomers.” Paxton expressed his excitement, stating, “The Incomer has been a joy to bring to life alongside an immensely talented team.”
Another significant entry is Lady, directed by Olive Nwosu and produced by Glasgow-based Alex Polunin, which will be screened as part of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. This category highlights distinct narratives from around the globe, and Nwosu’s film promises to deliver a compelling story.
In the World Documentary Competition, viewers can look forward to Everybody to Kenmure Street, directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra and produced by Ciara Barry. The documentary recounts a Home Office dawn raid that ignites civil resistance in Glasgow. Barry shared her enthusiasm about the film, noting, “This film is deeply personal to us, as residents of the Glasgow community where the film is set.”
Another documentary, Birds of War, produced by Sonja Henrici, will also be showcased in this competitive category. Screening in a special strand is The Story of Documentary, directed by Mark Cousins and produced by John Archer. This film explores the evolution of documentary filmmaking from its inception to the modern day.
Two additional titles, Filipiñana and Extra Geography, are also part of the lineup, with both being produced or co-produced by Scotland-based talent. These selections reflect the diverse storytelling and rich creativity found within Scotland’s film industry.
Isabel Davis, executive director of Screen Scotland, commented on the significance of this achievement, stating, “Every one of these titles is entertaining, urgent and creatively uncompromising.” She emphasized that supporting original storytelling is central to Screen Scotland’s mission. Davis expressed pride in how these films reflect the vision and talent within Scotland’s screen sector.
The Scottish Government has shown strong support for the growing film industry, with Culture Secretary Angus Robertson highlighting the exceptional creativity emerging from Scotland. He noted, “The funding, facilities, talent, crew, and specialist support available in Scotland mean that an ever-increasing number of exciting and ambitious domestically originated projects are able to take shape and succeed on the global stage.”
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for the screenings of these seven films, which not only highlight the innovative spirit of Scottish filmmakers but also offer a platform to share unique perspectives with international audiences. The inclusion of such a diverse range of titles at Sundance marks a significant milestone for Scotland’s film industry, setting the stage for future successes.
