20 Films Expected to Premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will be marked by poignant farewells and fresh beginnings. This edition honors the legacy of founder Robert Redford, commemorates the recent loss of beloved communications head Tammie Rosen, and represents the festivals final chapter in Utah. Starting in January 2027, Sundance will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, opening a new era while drawing unprecedented attention to its last Utah edition.

Attendance is expected to be strong, with festival organizers forecasting high pass sales amid Park Citys bustling traffic, packed restaurants, and a competitive ski scene. Nostalgia-driven programming will pay tribute to past breakout films, Redfords trailblazing work, and the festivals Utah home. The main film lineup is anticipated to be announced soon, continuing Sundances tradition of early filmmaker notifications.

Despite industry challenges like a tighter acquisitions market and fewer sponsorship deals, the festivals 2025 edition showcased nearly 100 features, some of which are now Oscar contenders. The 2026 festival promises a similar scope, balancing breakout hits and quieter premieres, all while bidding farewell to Park City and setting the stage for its Colorado future, with access to new audiences and talent pipelines.

Highlighted Narrative Features and Documentaries

At the Sea, dir. Kornl Mundrucz

Kornl Mundrucz, known for Pieces of a Woman, finished filming At the Sea in Boston in August 2024. Starring Amy Adams, Murray Bartlett, Dan Levy, and Brett Goldstein, the drama follows Adams character returning to her familys beach home after rehab to confront her past. Mundrucz co-wrote the film with Kata Wber, and it may premiere at Sundance despite potential European festival plans.

Chasing Summer, dir. Josephine Decker

Josephine Deckers romantic dramedy features Iliza Shlesinger as a woman returning to her Texas hometown after losing her job and boyfriend. The film explores high school memories colliding with adult life, marking a continuation of Deckers distinctive, female-focused storytelling style.

The Death of Robin Hood, dir. Michael Sarnoski

Sarnoski, the director behind Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, presents a dark and violent reimagining of Robin Hood. Hugh Jackman leads the cast alongside Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgrd, and Murray Bartlett. Filmed in Ireland, the project was acquired by A24 and promises a prominent Sundance presence.

The Disciple, dir. Joanna Natasegara

Natasegaras documentary debut focuses on the one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, whose music has never been publicly heard. The film offers a deep dive into its creation and first public reveal, promising a compelling documentary narrative.

Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!, dir. Josef Kubota Wladyka

Wladykas fantasy dance drama, featuring Rinko Kikuchi, takes place in Tokyo and combines music, movement, and story in a visually inventive debut expected to resonate with Sundance audiences.

Hot Water, dir. Ramzi Bashour

Syrian-American director Ramzi Bashour tells a mother-son road trip story across America, starring Dale Dickey. Drawing from Bashours Sundance lab experience, the feature debut blends emotional depth with the festivals love for character-driven journeys.

How to Make a Killing, dir. John Patton Ford

Following his successful debut with Emily the Criminal, Fords new film stars Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, and Jessica Henwick in a darkly comedic story of inheritance and familial deception. A24 is backing the project for a likely Sundance premiere.

I Want Your Sex, dir. Gregg Araki

Araki returns with a provocative erotic thriller featuring Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, and Charli XCX. Set in the art world, the film explores contemporary sexual dynamics, continuing Arakis long-standing Sundance relationship.

The Incomer, dir. Louis Paxton

Debuting his feature in Scotland, Paxtons film stars Domhnall Gleeson and Gayle Rankin as island siblings whose lives are disrupted by an outsider. This eccentric narrative promises a unique addition to the festival lineup.

Josephine, dir. Beth de Arajo

Inspired by a real-life childhood trauma, de Arajos thriller features Philip Ettinger and Syra McCarthy. Shot in San Francisco, the film merges suspense and personal history for a gripping Sundance-ready story.

The Last First, dir. Amir Bar-Lev

Bar-Levs documentary captures the 2021 K2 winter summit attempt, blending survival storytelling with the risks of high-altitude climbing. The film is expected to deliver a tense, visually spectacular experience.

The Moment, dir. Aidan Zamiri

Based on a concept by Charli XCX, this film follows a pop star navigating the challenges of touring life. Featuring an ensemble cast including Rosanna Arquette and Kate Berlant, it marks Zamiris feature debut.

Mother Mary, dir. David Lowery

David Lowerys fashion-focused drama stars Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, exploring obsession and creative rivalry in a psychosexual melodrama. Set in a 13th-century barn, it is slated for a Sundance premiere before its theatrical release.

The Musical, dir. Giselle Bonilla

Bonillas debut feature centers on a middle school theater teachers rivalry with a principal over a school award. Starring Nevada Jose, Gillian Jacobs, and Rob Lowe, it taps into Sundances love for stories about performance and youth theater.

The Oldest Person in the World, dir. Sam Green

Greens decade-spanning documentary follows the lives of the worlds oldest people, blending biography with reflections on the nature of life in the 21st century.

On Time and Water, dir. Sara Dosa

Dosa returns with a documentary on Icelandic glaciers, intertwining climate change, personal history, and romance. Narrated by Miranda July, the film continues her exploration of human and environmental vulnerability.

See You When I See You, dir. Jay Duplass

Duplass solo directorial return features David Duchovny, Kaitlyn Dever, and Cooper Raiff in a story about family, grief, and mental health, blending humor and heart for a perfect final Utah edition entry.

The Weight, dir. Padraic McKinley

Starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, McKinleys period drama follows a widower navigating Oregons 1930s gold smuggling scene while estranged from his daughter. A Sundance-ready narrative with historical and emotional stakes.

Union County, dir. Adam Meeks

Expanding his 2020 short, Meeks feature tackles recovery and redemption amid Ohios opioid crisis. Noah Centineo leads a mix of professional and local actors, grounding the story in community authenticity.

Wicker, dirs. Alex Huston Fischer, Eleanor Wilson

Alexander Skarsgrd, Olivia Colman, Elizabeth Debicki, and Peter Dinklage star in this adaptation of Ursula Wills-Jones story, blending magical realism with human drama in a coastal village setting. Likely to fit in the Midnight or NEXT sections, it promises a surreal festival highlight.

Author: Sophia Brooks