A record-setting seven films from Scotland have been selected for the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, highlighting the country’s vibrant creative scene. Scheduled to take place from January 22 to February 1, 2024, in Park City, Utah, this year’s festival showcases a diverse array of talent and storytelling.
Among the selections, Louis Paxton’s film The Incomer will open the Next category, which focuses on innovative, low-budget independent films. This feature, filmed on location in Caithness, tells the story of two siblings determined to maintain their island’s integrity against outside influences, also known as “incomers.” Paxton expressed his excitement, stating, “The Incomer has been a joy to bring to life alongside an immensely talented team… I am thrilled to share it with US audiences.”
In a notable entry, Olive Nwosu’s film Lady, produced by Alex Polunin from Glasgow, will be featured in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. Highlighting the breadth of talent, two documentaries have also made the line-up: Everybody to Kenmure Street by Felipe Bustos Sierra, produced by Ciara Barry, and Birds of War, produced by Sonja Henrici. Everybody to Kenmure Street recounts a Home Office dawn raid that ignites a civil resistance movement in Glasgow. Barry noted the film’s hopeful message, stating it “celebrates the power of community,” making it particularly meaningful to those involved in the protest.
In addition to these films, Mark Cousins’ documentary The Story of Documentary, produced by John Archer, will be shown in the special screenings strand. Two other titles in the selection are also produced or co-produced by Scotland-based talent: Filipiñana and Extra Geography, showcasing the depth of the Scottish film industry.
Isabel Davis, executive director of Screen Scotland, expressed pride in the selections, stating, “Every one of these titles is entertaining, urgent, and creatively uncompromising.” She emphasized the importance of supporting original storytelling from early development to established careers, reflecting Scotland’s rich cinematic landscape.
Culture secretary Angus Robertson also praised the achievements, noting the government’s commitment to fostering growth in Scotland’s screen sector. He stated, “The funding, facilities, talent, crew, and specialist support available in Scotland mean that an ever-increasing number of hugely exciting and ambitious domestically originated projects…are able to take shape and succeed on the global stage.”
The selection of these films not only underscores the creative prowess of Scotland’s filmmakers but also marks a significant moment in showcasing Scottish cinema to an international audience at one of the world’s most celebrated film festivals. As anticipation builds for the festival, the spotlight is firmly on these seven films, each representing a unique narrative and artistic vision.
