Sundance 2021 Lineup Features Films by CalArtians

Weirdo Night by Jibz Cameron and CalArts alum Mariah Garnett is an official selection of the New Frontier program at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. | Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Earlier this week, the Sundance Instiute announced the full slate of films scheduled to screen at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Running from Jan. 28-Feb. 3 on digital and hybrid platforms, new independent works by CalArtians were selected across several categories.

• Pacho Velez’s (Film/Video MFA 10) Searchers has its world premiere when it screens in the NEXT program, which features bold works with innovative storytelling. The tracks a diverse set of New Yorkers who navigate their preferred dating apps in search of “the one.”

• Lata, directed by Alisha Mehta (Film/Video MFA 19) and written by Mehta and Mireya Martinez (Film/Video MFA 18) screens in the Shorts/US Nonfiction category. The film follows a 23-year-old domestic worker as she navigates her way through an upper class home in South Mumbai.

• Kangmin Kim’s (Film/Video BFA 09, MFA 11) short film KKUM is a stop-motion tribute to his mother. It screens as part of the Shorts/Animation category. “My mother’s dreams have always been strong premonitions for important moments in my life. I rely on her dreams more than any religion.”

• The New Frontier category serves as a showcase of works at the crossroads of film, art, and technology. Weirdo Night from Jibz Cameron and Mariah Garnett (Film/Video MFA 11) is a filmed version of Dynasty Handbag’s popular underground live comedy and performance show that took place monthly in Los Angeles until the COVID pandemic began.

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The films—72 features, 50 shorts, four indie series and 14 New Frontier Projects—will be presented on Sundance-built online platform and in person on satellite screens across the country (public health regulations permitting). In the digital space, festival attendees can gather in virtual waiting rooms, participate in live Q&As, and hang out in various online environments.