The Sundance Film Festival – the ultimate haven for cinematic enthusiasts, where innovative storytelling meets groundbreaking talent. As the industry’s biggest names and up-and-comers converge on Park City, Utah, one of the most highly anticipated events of the festival is just around the corner: the Beyond Film Talks. This year, the lineup boasts an impressive array of A-listers and trailblazers, including Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, deaf culture icon Marlee Matlin, and Hollywood heavyweight Steven Yeun. Joining them will be a diverse slate of creatives, including Celine Song, a rising star in the world of independent filmmaking. As these luminaries share their experiences, insights, and passions, the stage is set for a day of unbridled inspiration and unforgettable conversation. In this article, we’ll dive into the exciting roster of speakers and what you can expect from this year’s edition of the Beyond Film Talks at Sundance.
Sundance Film Festival’s Beyond Film Talks
Notable participants set to attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival’s Beyond Film talks include Chloë Sevigny, Olivia Colman, Steven Yeun, Marlee Matlin, Celine Song, and Daniel Kaluuya, among others. The festival’s Beyond Film series of talks and events will take place from January 24-31, 2025, with most offerings available online the day following the in-person event.
POWER OF STORY
Examining the Meaning of Success: A Conversation on Privilege, Opportunity, and Systemic Barriers
This year’s Power of Story conversation will convene a group of artists, thinkers, and culture makers to talk about the meaning of success. By contemplating the future of storytelling, we explore how revolutionary narrative experiences will reshape culture through artistic discovery, emerging media, and the reassertion of independence in filmmaking.
Featuring: Mstyslav Chernov (2000 Meters to Andriivka), Celine Song (Past Lives), Chloë Sevigny (Atropia, Magic Farm), and Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah)
Moderated by Stacey Wilson Hunt (Contributing Editor, The Hollywood Reporter)
This conversation will delve into the complexities of success, examining what success truly means, how it’s shaped by socioeconomic and political factors, and how these influences affect the ways we measure, appreciate, and define success.
CINEMA CAFÉ
Informal Chats with Special Guests
The Cinema Café series of informal chats brings together special guests for thought-provoking encounters and fascinating dialogue. Previous Cinema Café guests have included Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Tessa Thompson, Jane Campion, Eugenio Derbez, Lena Dunham, Norman Lear, Kumail Nanjiani, Zazie Beetz, Saoirse Ronan, Spike Lee, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Radha Blank, Ira Glass, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bassem Youssef, Charlie Kaufman, Ice-T, Nick Hornby, Winston Duke, Samantha Power, Steve Coogan, Roger Corman, D. Smith, and many others.
Cinema Café: Olivia Colman (Jimpa) and Steven Yeun (Bubble & Squeak)
Moderated by Kim Yutani (Director of Programming, Sundance Film Festival)
This year’s Cinema Café lineup includes Olivia Colman and Steven Yeun, who will engage in a thought-provoking conversation about their experiences in the film industry.
Conclusion
As the Sundance Film Festival approaches, the excitement is palpable, and this year’s lineup is no exception. Beyond Film Talks, a series of conversations focused on the intersection of film and social change, has announced an impressive roster of talent, including Daniel Kaluuya, Marlee Matlin, Celine Song, and Steven Yeun, among others. Throughout the article, we’ve delved into the key participants and their respective projects, highlighting the ways in which their work is pushing boundaries and sparking meaningful conversations.
The significance of these talks extends far beyond the festival itself, as they represent a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry. By bringing together creatives from various backgrounds and disciplines, Beyond Film Talks has the potential to inspire a new wave of storytelling and artistic expression. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the conversations taking place at Sundance will have a lasting impact, shaping the course of the industry for years to come. Whether it’s exploring themes of representation, identity, or social justice, the thinkers and makers featured in this year’s lineup are poised to leave a lasting imprint on the world of film and beyond.