Gaza and Los Angeles Fires at the Sundance Festival

22nd January 2025

2 minutes read

Gaza and Los Angeles Fires at the Sundance Festival

Environment and politics dominate the Sundance Festival, held this year amidst the ongoing wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, while a documentary on Gaza takes center stage just days after a ceasefire came into effect in the region.

Numerous stars, including Jennifer Lopez and Benedict Cumberbatch, will showcase their films starting next Thursday at the Sundance Festival, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Before deciding to proceed with the festival, the organizers consulted many filmmakers, some of whom had “lost their homes or been displaced,” as stated by the festival director, Eugene Hernandez.

The Los Angeles fires, which have claimed at least 27 lives, cast a shadow over Hollywood’s usual strong turnout at the Utah mountains (western United States), where this prestigious independent film festival, co-founded by actor Robert Redford, takes place.
It was reported that some filmmakers left their homes, carrying their hard drives under their arms to save their films from the flames.

Among the 88 feature films in the lineup, “Rebuilding” has taken on special symbolic significance, reflecting the many losses experienced in Los Angeles.
Starring Josh O’Connor, best known for his role in “The Crown”, the film tells the story of a cattle rancher who loses everything in a fire.

Politics also plays a prominent role at Sundance, with several documentaries included in the program. Notably, these works often win the Oscar for Best Documentary.

Just days after the ceasefire in Gaza took effect, Sundance is screening “What’s Left of You”, by Palestinian-American director Shireen Daibes, which delves into the reality of life in Gaza.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to attend the screening of “Prime Minister” in Park City, a film that explores the behind-the-scenes moments of her time in office.

Meanwhile, director Andrew Jarecki brings “The Alabama Solution” to the festival, a documentary investigating violence and corruption in the American prison system.