hrough movies, we see the world unveiled. From lesser–known corners of the globe to engaging narratives, the Sundance Film Festival showcases powerful independent films. Diplomatic Courier looks to the festival each year for features with an international focus. From January 23 to February 2, this year’s selections range from cross–border exploration to human resilience amid geopolitical conflict. Here are ten full–length features to look forward to from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
2000 Meters to Andriivka, Mstyslav Chernov. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
In 2023’s selections, we highlighted Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol,” an exceptional film that won Best Documentary Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. Chernov returns with his next film, “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” which follows Ukrainian soldiers fighting to liberate the strategic village of Andriivka. The film offers an inside look at Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive and the war as it stretches into a third year.
Cutting Through Rocks (اوزاک یوللار), Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyn. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
“Cutting Through Rocks” follows Sara Shahverdi, the first elected councilwoman of her Iranian village. Shahverdi looks to break patriarchal traditions. From working to stop child marriages and teaching teenage girls to ride motorcycles, Shahverdi pushes for change in a country that often restricts what girls and women can achieve.
How to Build a Library, Maia Lekow & Christopher King. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
In Kenya, two women work to transform a previous whites–only library into a new cultural center. However, local politics, finances, and the country’s colonial past stand as obstacles. “How to Build a Library” chronicles the two women as they attempt to overcome these challenges and build a library for all.
Khartoum, Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy, Timeea Ahmed, & Phil Cox. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
In 2022, filmmakers began chronicling the lives of five different Sudanese individuals. A year later, conflict broke out in Sudan. “Khartoum,” named after the capital of Sudan, follows the five individuals and directors as the war develops. The film covers this underrepresented conflict and lives entangled in it.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin, David Borenstei. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country began militarization and recruitment efforts with rural schools as a prime target for such campaigns. “Mr Nobody Against Putin” offers a rare look into a school undergoing this transformation. The film follows Pasha, a teacher at a primary school in the Ural Mountains as he goes undercover to reveal the forced changes on his community to fuel Russia’s war.
Brides, Nadia Fall. World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Doe and Muna, two teenage girls, run away with plans to travel to Syria. They embark on the journey in an effort to escape the restrictions and minoritization they experience in their home country of the UK. However, amid the backdrop of conflict, they come to realize the reality of their destination and that they might be running from one problem towards another.
DJ Ahmet, Georgi M. Unkovski. World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
For 15–year–old Ahmet who lives in a rural Yuruk village in North Macedonia, music provides refuge from his community and family’s expectations Additionally, music gives him respite from the heartache of loving a girl promised to someone else. The film offers insight into a small corner of the world, but shows how music can touch everyone.
Where the Wind Comes From, Amel Guellaty. World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Two young adult friends, Alyssa and Mehdi, take a trip to southern Tunisia after hearing of a contest that might allow them to flee the country. The film shows sides of Tunisia often not seen and highlights the power of friendship and the unpredictable road ahead that many Tunisian youth face.
All That’s Left of You (اللي باقي منك), Cherien Dabis. Premieres.
“All That’s Left of You (اللي باقي منك)” tells the story of a family’s history and generational struggle as Palestinians living in the West Bank. From a teenage son who meets Israeli soldiers at a West Bank protest to the grandfather’s forced displacement decades earlier, the film touches on this ongoing conflict.
FOLKTALES, Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady. Premieres.
“FOLKTALES” follows teenagers at a traditional folk school in Arctic Norway. At this unconventional school, the students must take care of sled dogs and learn survival skills suited to the Arctic. Co–directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady incorporate Norse mythology to frame the story, while also highlighting a theme of finding quiet amidst the noise of modern life.
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10 Movies to Look Forward to from Sundance Film Festival 2025
Photo by Bence Photo by Bence Szemerey via Pexels.
January 23, 2025
This year's Sundance Film Festival selections range from cross–border exploration to human resilience amid geopolitical conflict. Our own Whitney DeVries breaks down the highlights.
T
hrough movies, we see the world unveiled. From lesser–known corners of the globe to engaging narratives, the Sundance Film Festival showcases powerful independent films. Diplomatic Courier looks to the festival each year for features with an international focus. From January 23 to February 2, this year’s selections range from cross–border exploration to human resilience amid geopolitical conflict. Here are ten full–length features to look forward to from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
2000 Meters to Andriivka, Mstyslav Chernov. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
In 2023’s selections, we highlighted Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol,” an exceptional film that won Best Documentary Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. Chernov returns with his next film, “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” which follows Ukrainian soldiers fighting to liberate the strategic village of Andriivka. The film offers an inside look at Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive and the war as it stretches into a third year.
Cutting Through Rocks (اوزاک یوللار), Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyn. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
“Cutting Through Rocks” follows Sara Shahverdi, the first elected councilwoman of her Iranian village. Shahverdi looks to break patriarchal traditions. From working to stop child marriages and teaching teenage girls to ride motorcycles, Shahverdi pushes for change in a country that often restricts what girls and women can achieve.
How to Build a Library, Maia Lekow & Christopher King. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
In Kenya, two women work to transform a previous whites–only library into a new cultural center. However, local politics, finances, and the country’s colonial past stand as obstacles. “How to Build a Library” chronicles the two women as they attempt to overcome these challenges and build a library for all.
Khartoum, Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy, Timeea Ahmed, & Phil Cox. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
In 2022, filmmakers began chronicling the lives of five different Sudanese individuals. A year later, conflict broke out in Sudan. “Khartoum,” named after the capital of Sudan, follows the five individuals and directors as the war develops. The film covers this underrepresented conflict and lives entangled in it.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin, David Borenstei. World Cinema Documentary Competition.
When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country began militarization and recruitment efforts with rural schools as a prime target for such campaigns. “Mr Nobody Against Putin” offers a rare look into a school undergoing this transformation. The film follows Pasha, a teacher at a primary school in the Ural Mountains as he goes undercover to reveal the forced changes on his community to fuel Russia’s war.
Brides, Nadia Fall. World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Doe and Muna, two teenage girls, run away with plans to travel to Syria. They embark on the journey in an effort to escape the restrictions and minoritization they experience in their home country of the UK. However, amid the backdrop of conflict, they come to realize the reality of their destination and that they might be running from one problem towards another.
DJ Ahmet, Georgi M. Unkovski. World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
For 15–year–old Ahmet who lives in a rural Yuruk village in North Macedonia, music provides refuge from his community and family’s expectations Additionally, music gives him respite from the heartache of loving a girl promised to someone else. The film offers insight into a small corner of the world, but shows how music can touch everyone.
Where the Wind Comes From, Amel Guellaty. World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Two young adult friends, Alyssa and Mehdi, take a trip to southern Tunisia after hearing of a contest that might allow them to flee the country. The film shows sides of Tunisia often not seen and highlights the power of friendship and the unpredictable road ahead that many Tunisian youth face.
All That’s Left of You (اللي باقي منك), Cherien Dabis. Premieres.
“All That’s Left of You (اللي باقي منك)” tells the story of a family’s history and generational struggle as Palestinians living in the West Bank. From a teenage son who meets Israeli soldiers at a West Bank protest to the grandfather’s forced displacement decades earlier, the film touches on this ongoing conflict.
FOLKTALES, Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady. Premieres.
“FOLKTALES” follows teenagers at a traditional folk school in Arctic Norway. At this unconventional school, the students must take care of sled dogs and learn survival skills suited to the Arctic. Co–directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady incorporate Norse mythology to frame the story, while also highlighting a theme of finding quiet amidst the noise of modern life.
