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Few actresses have found so much critical acclaim but remain outside the mainstream. Lily Gladstone emerged in Certain Woman, stealing a film from some of the most famous actresses alive. When she did, the critical and indie communities took notice. Yet it’s been more than 7 years since that film’s debut, and she’s yet to…
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We often imagine our civil rights leaders as infallible heroes. After all, the courage and will to stand up to oppression take incredible strength. Often we ignore just how difficult these decisions can become. Activists are not only fighting for their own reasons, but they often put themselves and their loved ones in danger. As…
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The emergence of breakthrough actors has long helped Sundance build popularity. Many performers find their first starring role at the festival and gain important exposure for their future. Seeing a masterful performance can hit the audience like a lightning bolt. Despite decades in the industry, Hiệp Trần Nghĩa has rarely been given the opportunity to…
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Sometimes, the Sundance Film Festival mints new directors and stars. However, it can also be the necessary push to get the full attention of someone in the years before their breakthrough. Jonathan Majors is no stranger to the festival after earning raves for The Last Black Man in San Fransisco in 2019. The last few…
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Reflecting on our past life can yield troubling memories. However, those who suffered as children are unlikely to see their lives through a positive lens. Even when we try to overcome these obstacles, the world rarely lets us move on in productive ways. First-time director Veerle Baetens uses her debut When It Melts to showcase…
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Almost one year ago, the world froze in fear. The war between the Ukraine and Russia drew the entire world’s attention, and questions about intervention swam through conversations. As Russian soldiers advanced into the former USSR nation, horrifying videos and images began leaking out of Ukraine. The battles were terrible enough, but the true horrors…
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The camera remains one of the most powerful tools of the 21st century. For centuries, the ability to capture an image has shaped or altered the course of history. Yet in 2023, we have more access to take and create videos than ever before. However, with cameras running at all hours, what is the purpose…
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Handling the death of a loved one is tricky. However, when one member of the family is cognitively disabled, the process requires extra care. Throughout Take Me Home, a short playing at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the two sisters seem very much at odds. However, with time and effort, each sister begins to find…
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Always one for a practical joke, Willie Nelson became a four-quadrant celebrity. While Nelson began his storied career in country music, his persona and optimism made him larger than life. He helped establish a subgenre of Country music (known as “Outlaw Country”) while providing mentorship to new and emerging artists. He became known for his…
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Cancer wreaks havoc on the human body, but it’s toll on the mind can often be just as harmful. While the person fighting the disease struggles with their mortality, their friends and family must rely on faith or medicine to pull them through. Even when that’s the case, the danger is often too upsetting to…
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For non-d/deaf audience members, we often take the presence of sound for granted. It is not until it is stripped away that we find our lives disoriented by its presence (or lack thereof). Yet as d/deaf and hard-of-hearing artists have grown their representation in the film and television world, an inclusive cinematic approach has spawned.…
