The Legacy programming, co-presented by film social network Letterboxd, will feature a curated selection of films celebrating significant anniversaries, all presented in newly restored formats. This initiative not only honors the past but also ensures these cinematic touchstones are preserved for future generations of film enthusiasts.
Among the highlights is Alfonso Cuarón’s acclaimed road-trip drama, "Y Tu Mamá También," which will be presented in a 4K restoration supervised by Cuarón and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, marking its 25th anniversary. Also celebrating a quarter-century milestone is Patricia Cardoso’s "Real Women Have Curves," a powerful coming-of-age story starring America Ferrera, which receives a new 4K restoration supervised by director Patricia Cardoso and director of photography Jim Denault. Justin Lin's "Better Luck Tomorrow," a 2002 Sundance premiere, will be shown in its original festival cut, restored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.
Documentary fans can look forward to Stacy Peralta's "Dogtown and Z-Boys," celebrating 25 years since its U.S. theatrical release with a 4K digital restoration by Sony Pictures Classics. Barbara Hammer's groundbreaking documentary "Nitrate Kisses," which had its U.S. premiere at Sundance in 1993, has been preserved by the Academy Film Archive and restored at 4K. Two films from the 1992 festival, Julie Taymor’s "Fool’s Fire" and Tom Kalin’s "Swoon," will also be featured, both celebrating their 35th anniversaries with new restorations.
Beyond these anniversary screenings, Sundance will host a special 'Cinema Interruptus' event featuring Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller, "Memento." This unique tradition, originating at the University of Colorado Boulder, allows audience members to pause the film at any moment to pose questions or ignite discussions, turning a screening into a communal critical analysis. Film critic and author Josh Larsen will moderate the two-session event, aiming to complete the entire film through active audience participation.
Sundance Film Festival director Eugene Hernandez emphasized the significance of this programming in the context of the move to Boulder. "Each year we honor the legacy of our founder Robert Redford and the history of the Sundance Film Festival by looking back at just a few of the films and filmmakers who have shaped our history," Hernandez stated. He added that while the new Boulder home brings change, the festival's core mission to uplift independent voices and celebrate its rich history remains paramount. The partnership with Letterboxd for the Legacy category underscores a commitment to fostering cinematic discovery and engagement among film lovers.
This early glimpse into the 2027 lineup promises a blend of innovation and tradition, as Sundance embraces its new location while reaffirming its dedication to independent cinema's enduring impact.