David D'Arcy

Bob Berney of Picturehouse Films, Richard Lorber of Kino Lorber Media Group and John Sloss of Cinetic Media reflect on the years of Sundance in Park City and look ahead to its future in Boulder, CO. They also take a look at the current state of independent cinema, how streaming services play a role and engaging younger audiences.

Director Sam Green's decade-long global odyssey chronicles the ever-changing record holders of the title of oldest person alive. In "The Oldest Person in the World," what begins as a portrait of longevity becomes a poignant meditation on the passage of time, the randomness of fate and the joy and profound human experience of being alive.

Directors Adam Khalil and Zack Khalil discuss "Aanikoobijigan" [ancestor/great-grandparent/great-grandchild], which documents the emotional and vital work of MACPRA (Michigan Anishinaabek Cultural Preservation and Repatriation Alliance). This alliance, made up of repatriation specialists representing all Michigan tribes, fights to bring their ancestors and funerary objects home from settler colonial institutions like museums, libraries and archives.

In "Seized," director Sharon Liese captures how the small town of Marion, Kansas is thrust into the international spotlight after a police raid on the Marion County Record and the death of its 98-year-old co-owner. Afterwards a fierce debate ignites about the abuse of power, journalistic ethics, local journalism and the United States Constitution.

Directors Robert May and Barry Levinson preview the 5-part episodic series "Bucks County, USA." Evi and Vanessa, two 14-year-olds living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are best friends despite their opposing political beliefs. As nationwide disputes over public education explode into vitriol and division in their hometown, the girls and others in the community fight to discover the humanity in “the other side.”

Oscar-winning filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov and producer Raney Aronson-Rath share the new film "2000 Meters to Andriivka." Amid the failing counteroffensive, a journalist follows a Ukrainian platoon on their mission to traverse one mile of heavily fortified forest and liberate a strategic village from Russian occupation. But the farther they advance through their destroyed homeland, the more they realize that this war may never end.

In "Coexistence, My Ass!," director Amber Fares highlights Noam Shuster Eliassi who grew up the literal poster child for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process before making a hard pivot to stand-up comedy and political satire. But as the region sinks deeper into devastating violence, she must meet the moment by challenging her audiences with hard truths that are no laughing matter.

Directors Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni discuss their entry into the World Documentary Competition, "Cutting Through Rocks." As the first elected councilwoman of her Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi aims to break long-held patriarchal traditions by training teenage girls to ride motorcycles and stopping child marriages. When accusations arise questioning Sara’s intentions to empower the girls, her identity is put in turmoil.

Director Bao Nguyen and journalist Gary Knight tell how a two-year investigation uncovers a scandal behind the making of one of the most-recognized photographs of the 20th century. Five decades of secrets are unraveled in the search for justice for a man known only as “the stringer.” However, the Associated Press has conducted its own research, which "supports the historical account that Ut was the photographer. In the absence of new, convincing evidence to the contrary, the AP has no reason to believe anyone other than Ut took the photo."

"Prime Minister" provides an intimate view inside the political and private life of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, capturing her through five tumultuous years in power and beyond as she redefined leadership on the world stage. Directors Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz talk about the making of the film.