Once a year, the Sundance Film Festival attracts film junkies from around the world. For 10 days, some of the most talented independent filmmakers head to Park City, Utah to showcase their films. With this years Film Festival closing in 3 short days, we have highlighted standout films to look out for from the festival… (thus far!)

 

Call Me by Your Name

André Aciman's 2007 romance novel has been turned into this year’s breakout hit. Directed by Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash), and starring Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg and Amira Casar, the story follows a summer romance between a 17 year-old boy and his unexpected affair with a summer guest at his parents' cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera. You can see this barrier-breaking flick in theaters later this year.

 

Mudbound

Coined as “one of the most gripping films in Sundance history,” Dee Rees’s newest film follows two men who are adjusting to life after World War II and the Mississippi racism that they are faced with. Going into unchartered Hollywood territory, the film portrays a time in American history that few movies discuss. And with its parallels to our current divided country, the film is already receiving award show buzz. You can see this film for yourself in theaters later this year.  

 

Columbus

This cinematically beautiful film, directed by Kogonada, follows the drama of a man and a woman stuck in Columbus, Indiana.  Jin (John Cho), a Korean book translator and Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), a fresh-out-of-high-school librarian are both tied to Columbus because of ill parents. We follow the ups and downs of their relationship through exquisite camera shots. This movie is expected to hit theaters later this year.

 

Get Out

Directed by Jordan Peele and starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford, this satirical thriller touches upon the very real race issue that is currently plaguing our country. Peele’s debut as a behind-the-camera-talent showcases his ability to execute his vision of white-black tension. See this masterpiece in theaters February 24th.

Landline

Jenny Slate, Edie Falco, Abby Quinn and John Turturro star in this Gillian Robespierre film. if you’re looking for a genuinely funny relationship comedy, Landline is the Sundance film for you. Set in the 90s, this film follows three female members of the Jacobson family. One is a rebellious high school senior (Quinn) experimenting with boys and heroin for the first time. The second is her engaged-to-be-married sister (Slate), who questions everything after a hookup with an old flame. The third is their mother (Falco), who works around the clock and takes flak from all involved. This comedy will be in theaters later this year.