SUNDANCE LONDON FILM AND PANEL PROGRAMME
ANNOUNCED
FEATURE FILMS, SPECIAL EVENTS, SHORT FILMS AND
PANELS AT THE O2, 25-28 APRIL
Passes and ticket packages now on sale; Individual tickets on sale Friday
www.sundance-london.com
The O2, 11 March 2013 — Sundance Institute and The O2 announced today the programme of panels, feature
films and short films for the second Sundance London film and music festival, 25-28 April at The O2. Passes and
ticket packages are available at www.sundance-london.com, and individual tickets will be on sale from 9:00 a.m.
GMT Friday 15 March.
Sundance Institute, which annually presents the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A., selected the
film and panel programming. The 2013 programme continues its 2012 focus on presenting new work by
independent filmmakers and exploring the interplay between independent film and music.
The programme announced today includes 18 feature films and nine short films across four sections, including a
new UK Spotlight. Twenty-three films will make their international, European or UK premieres at Sundance
London. Ten are by female filmmakers and six are by first-time feature filmmakers. The films collectively received
11 awards when they premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A.. Among the artists
expected to attend Sundance London are Lake Bell, Mike Birbiglia, Jimmy Carr, the Eagles, Barbara Kopple and
Peaches, as well as Sundance Institute President & Founder Robert Redford.
Robert Redford said, “We would hope for Sundance London to be another 'Sundance' experience – lively,
culturally relevant and fun. We look forward to engaging with audiences as we discover new voices, new points
of view and new perspectives.”
John Cooper, Director of the Sundance Film Festival, said, “The film and panel programme announced today
reflects the energy and enthusiasm that ignited audiences just weeks ago at our 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
Building on the success of the first Sundance London, we again welcome the opportunity to engage with
passionate and adventurous UK audiences and introduce them to the new work of independent filmmakers.”
Rebecca Kane, General Manager of The O2, said, “I am very excited to welcome Sundance London back to The
O2 to build on the success of last year’s event, which attracted the likes of Robert Redford, Rufus and Martha
Wainwright, and The Prince of Wales. Sundance London is a great opportunity for film and music fans to engage
with artistes, and it also plays a big role in showcasing The O2’s ability to host high-profile global events that
attract a variety of audiences.”
In addition to film screenings and panels, Sundance London will host several live music performances and
events. Peaches has been announced as the first headlining act for the 2013 festival, and tickets for that
performance are now on sale. Additional music performers will be named. Among the 17 musical acts at the firstever Sundance London were Tricky and Martina Topley-Bird, Placebo, and Rufus and Martha Wainwright.
For more information visit www.sundance-london.com or follow @SundancefestUK on Twitter.
FEATURE FILM PROGRAMME — The international and UK premieres of American independent narrative and
documentary films that premiered in January at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A.
Blackfish (Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite) — Notorious killer whale
Tilikum is responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including a top
killer whale trainer. Blackfish shows the sometimes devastating
consequences of keeping such intelligent and sentient creatures in
captivity. (Documentary) International Premiere
Blood Brother (Director: Steve Hoover) — Rocky went to India as a
disillusioned tourist. When he met a group of children with HIV, he decided
to stay. He never could have imagined the obstacles he would face, or the
love he would find. Winner of the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Documentary
and the Audience Award: U.S. Documentary presented by Acura at the
2013 Sundance Film Festival. (Documentary) UK Premiere
Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes (Director and screenwriter:
Francesca Gregorini) — Emanuel, a troubled girl, becomes preoccupied
with her mysterious, new neighbor, who bears a striking resemblance to
her dead mother. In offering to babysit her newborn, Emanuel unwittingly
enters a fragile, fictional world, of which she becomes the gatekeeper.
Cast: Kaya Scodelario, Jessica Biel, Alfred Molina, Frances O'Connor,
Jimmi Simpson, Aneurin Barnard. (Narrative) International Premiere
God Loves Uganda (Director: Roger Ross Williams) — A powerful
exploration of the evangelical campaign to infuse African culture with
values imported from America’s Christian Right. The film follows American
and Ugandan religious leaders fighting “sexual immorality” and
missionaries trying to convince Ugandans to follow biblical law.
(Documentary) UK Premiere
In a World... (Director and screenwriter: Lake Bell) — An underachieving
vocal coach is motivated by her father, the king of movie-trailer voiceovers, to pursue her aspirations of becoming a voiceover star. Amidst
pride, sexism and family dysfunction, she sets out to change the voice of a
generation. Cast: Lake Bell, Demetri Martin, Rob Corddry, Michaela
Watkins, Ken Marino, Fred Melamed. Winner of the Waldo Salt
Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
(Narrative) International Premiere
The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete (Director: George Tillman Jr.,
Screenwriter: Michael Starrbury) — Separated from their mothers and
facing a summer in the Brooklyn projects alone, two boys hide from police
and forage for food, with only each other to trust. A story of salvation
through friendship and two boys against the world. Cast: Skylan Brooks,
Ethan Dizon, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Mackie, Jeffrey
Wright. (Narrative) UK Premiere
The Kings of Summer (Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Screenwriter: Chris
Galletta) — A unique coming-of-age comedy about three teenagers who, in
the ultimate act of independence, decide to spend their summer building a
makeshift house in the woods. Free from their parents’ rules, their idyllic
summer quickly becomes a test of friendship. Cast: Nick Robinson, Gabriel
Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Alison Brie.
(Narrative) International Premiere
Muscle Shoals (Director: Greg 'Freddy' Camalier) — Down in Alabama
Rick Hall founded FAME Studios and gave birth to the Muscle Shoals
sound. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Gregg Allman, Aretha Franklin, Etta
James, Alicia Keys, Bono and others bear witness to the greatest untold
American music story. (Documentary) UK Premiere
Running from Crazy (Director: Barbara Kopple) — Mariel Hemingway,
granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, strives for a greater understanding of
her family history of suicide and mental illness. As tragedies are explored
and deeply hidden secrets are revealed, Mariel searches for a way to
overcome a similar fate. From two-time Academy Award-winning director
Barbara Kopple. (Documentary) International Premiere
Touchy Feely (Director and screenwriter: Lynn Shelton) — A massage
therapist is unable to do her job when stricken with a mysterious and
sudden aversion to bodily contact. Meanwhile, her uptight brother's
foundering dental practice receives new life when clients seek out his
“healing touch.” Cast: Rosemarie DeWitt, Allison Janney, Ron Livingston,
Scoot McNairy, Ellen Page, Josh Pais. (Narrative) International Premiere
Upstream Color (Director and screenwriter: Shane Carruth) — A man and
woman are drawn together, entangled in the life cycle of an ageless
organism. Identity becomes an illusion as they struggle to assemble the
loose fragments of wrecked lives. Cast: Amy Seimetz, Shane Carruth,
Andrew Sensenig, Thiago Martins. Winner of a U.S. Dramatic Special
Jury Award for Sound Design at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and
from the director of the 2004 Sundance Film Festival U.S. Grand Jury
Prize: Dramatic-winning film Primer. (Narrative) UK Premiere
SPECIAL EVENT PROGRAMME — On-screen stories complemented by extraordinary off-screen experiences.
History of the Eagles Part One (Director: Alison Ellwood) — Iconic
American rock band the Eagles have earned countless awards and sold
more than 120 million albums worldwide, including the best-selling album
of all time. Using never-before-seen home movies, archival footage and
new interviews with all current and former members of the Eagles, this
documentary provides an intimate look into the history of the band and the
legacy of their music. Includes an extended Q&A with the Eagles.
(Documentary) International Premiere
Peaches Does Herself (Director and screenwriter: Peaches) — On the
advice of an old stripper, Peaches makes sexually forthright music. This
electro rock opera follows Peaches' rise in popularity and her love affair
with a beautiful she-male that ultimately leads her to realize who she really
is. Cast: Peaches, Danni Daniels, Sandy Kane, Mignon, Sweet Machine
Band, Jolly Goods. Sundance London will also host a performance by
Peaches. (Narrative) UK Premiere
Sleepwalk With Me (Director: Mike Birbiglia, Screenwriters: Mike Birbiglia,
Ira Glass, Joe Birbiglia, Seth Barrish) — Reluctant to confront his fears of
love, honesty, and growing up, a budding standup comedian has both a
hilarious and intense struggle with sleepwalking. Cast: Mike Birbiglia,
Lauren Ambrose, Carol Kane, James Rebhorn, Cristin Milioti. Winner of the
Best of NEXT <=> Audience Award, Presented by Adobe Systems
Incorporated, at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Includes an extended
Q&A with director and screenwriter Mike Birbiglia, moderated by
comedian Jimmy Carr. (Narrative) European Premiere
UK SPOTLIGHT — Drawing on the Sundance Film Festival’s rich legacy of premiering outstanding films produced in
the UK – including An Education, Four Weddings and a Funeral, In Bruges, In the Loop, Kinky Boots, and Lock,
Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels – this new showcase presents a selection of UK films that premiered in Park City,
Utah.
In Fear (Directed and story by: Jeremy Lovering) — Trapped in a maze of
country roads with only their vehicle for protection, Tom and Lucy are
terrorized by an unseen tormentor exploiting their worst fears. Eventually
they realize they've let the evil in – it’s sitting in their car. Cast: Alice
Englert, Iain De Caestecker, Allen Leech. (Narrative) UK Premiere
The Look of Love (Director: Michael Winterbottom, Screenwriter: Matt
Greenhalgh) — The true story of British adult magazine publisher and
entrepreneur Paul Raymond. A modern day King Midas story, Raymond
became one of the richest men in Britain at the cost of losing those closest
to him. Cast: Steve Coogan, Anna Friel, Imogen Poots, Tamsin Egerton.
(Narrative) UK Premiere
The Moo Man (Directors: Andy Heathcote, Co-director: Heike Bachelier) —
A year in the life of heroic farmer Steve, scene stealing Ida (queen of the
herd), and a supporting cast of 55 cows. When Ida falls ill, Steve’s
optimism is challenged and their whole way of life is at stake.
(Documentary) UK Premiere
The Summit (Director: Nick Ryan) — Twenty-four climbers converged at
the last stop before summiting the most dangerous mountain on Earth.
Forty-eight hours later, 11 had been killed or simply vanished. Had one,
Ger McDonnell, stuck to the climbers' code, he might still be alive. Winner
of the Editing Award: U.S. Documentary at the 2013 Sundance Film
Festival. (Documentary)
SHORT FILM PROGRAMME — A wide-ranging collection of short films that screened in January at the 2013
Sundance Film Festival. All will screen together in one Short Film Programme. The winner of the Sundance London
Short Film Competition will be the tenth short film featured.
The Apocalypse (Director and screenwriter: Andrew Zuchero) — Four
uninspired friends try to come up with a terrific idea for how to spend their
Saturday afternoon. International Premiere
Black Metal (Director and screenwriter: Kat Candler) — After a career
spent mining his music from the shadows, one fan creates a chain reaction
for the lead singer of a black metal band. European Premiere
The Date (Director and screenwriter: Jenni Toivoniemi) — Tino’s manhood
is put to the test in front of two women when he has to host a date for
Diablo, the family’s stud cat. Winner of the Short Film Jury Award:
International Fiction at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
Irish Folk Furniture (Director: Tony Donoghue) — In Ireland, old handpainted furniture is often associated with hard times, with poverty, and with
a time many would rather forget. In this animated documentary, 16 pieces
of traditional folk furniture are repaired and returned home. Winner of the
Short Film Jury Award: Animation at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
Jonah (Director: Kibwe Tavares, Screenwriter: Jack Thorne) — When two
young men photograph a gigantic fish leaping from the sea, their small
town becomes a tourist attraction in this story about the old and the new.
UK Premiere
Reindeer (Director: Eva Weber) — A lyrical and haunting portrait of
reindeer herding in the twilight expanses of the Lapland wilderness.
Until the Quiet Comes (Director and screenwriter: Kahlil Joseph) — Shot
in the Nickerson Gardens housing projects in Watts, Los Angeles, this film
deals with themes of violence, camaraderie and spirituality through the lens
of magical realism. Winner of a Short Film Special Jury Award at the
2013 Sundance Film Festival. European Premiere
Whiplash (Director and screenwriter: Damien Chazelle) — An aspiring
drummer enters an elite conservatory’s top jazz orchestra. Winner of the
Short Film Jury Award: U.S. Fiction at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
International Premiere
The Whistle (Director: Grzegorz Zariczny) — Marcin, a lowest-leagues
football referee who lives in a small town near Krakow, dreams of better
times. At his mother’s urging, he decides to change his life and find himself
a girlfriend and a better job. Winner of the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at
the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. UK Premiere
PANEL PROGRAMME — Discussions with renowned guest speakers providing incredible insights into the
filmmaking process.
The Art of the Score: An Afternoon with David Arnold — In a career that has produced over 60 scores to date,
David Arnold has written and arranged some of the most exciting music in film and television today – and has done so
across myriad genres and styles. Best known for his five James Bond scores, including Casino Royale and Tomorrow
Never Dies, as well as Independence Day, Stargate, Godzilla, Hot Fuzz, The Stepford Wives, and the television
series Sherlock and Little Britain, his work has garnered numerous Grammy, Emmy, BAFTA, UK Royal Television
Society and BMI awards and nominations. He was also Musical Director for 2012 Olympic Games and 2012
Paralympic Games in London. In a lively afternoon celebrating creativity and collaboration, Arnold and guests offer a
first-hand look at the composing process – through conversation, clips and various demonstrations of his approach to
film and the musical choices that have led to some of his most notable work.
Screenwriting Flash Lab — It takes years of screenwriting to have an overnight success. It also takes talent,
willpower, determination, grit and more than anything – it requires failure. And yet the fear of failure can stymy
creativity. What is a writer to do? Join UK and American screenwriters for a lively, honest and irreverent discussion on
the creative lessons learned from their biggest “cock-ups”. A not-to-be-missed opportunity to meet fellow writers, as
well as Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program Founding Director, Michelle Satter, and International Director, Paul
Federbush. Tony Grisoni (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Tideland, In This World, Death Defying Acts), Peter
Straughan (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, The Debt, Men Who Stare at Goats), Lynn Shelton (Touchy Feely, Your
Sister’s Sister, Humpday), moderator Mia Bays, Oscar-winning producer (Six Shooter, 30 Century Man) and
marketing consultant / creative executive at Microwave, and other panelist to be announced. Co-presented with
BAFTA.
Senses of Humor and Humour: US – UK Comedy — As the wisest among us have often observed, humor is a
serious thing. A strangely elusive form (E.B. White once likened it to dissecting a frog; you can do it, but the thing dies
in the process) comedy may be dispensed with sugarcoated smoothness, but it’s a uniquely powerful, sophisticated
way of looking at the foibles of human nature and the contradictions of our lives and societies. From family
dysfunction to global politics, comedians might argue that laughing at the world is simply the most sensible way of
making sense of it. In a battle to establish who is funnier and why, our group of UK and US actors, comedians and
filmmakers unpeel the layers and explore what’s behind the American and British “brands” of humor. With comedian,
author and filmmaker Mike Birbiglia (Sleepwalk With Me), writer, director and actress Lake Bell (In A World…) and
other panelists to be announced. Co-presented with BFI.
ENDS
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reproduction of logos and photos is strictly prohibited.
Press Enquiries:
General / Film – Claire Gascoyne / Liberty Green
Online – Sanam Jehanfard
Accreditation – Simone Devlin
Music – Oliver Lavery
Tel: 020 7292 8330
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
www.premiercomms.com
Notes to the Editor:
Sundance London
The Sundance London film and music festival is a partnership between Robert Redford, Sundance Enterprises,
Sundance Institute and AEG Europe. The second Sundance London will take place from 25-28 April, 2013 at
The O2 and will host the international and UK premieres of films fresh from the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in
Park City, Utah, U.S.A., as well as live music performances, panels and events. Passes and ticket packages are
now on sale and individual tickets will be available March 15. For more information visit www.sundancelondon.com or follow @SundancefestUK on Twitter. For partnership opportunities email
[email protected].
Robert Redford
Robert Redford is an Academy Award-winning actor, director and producer, a passionate advocate for the arts
and a leading environmentalist. He serves as President of the non-profit Sundance Institute, which he founded
30 years ago to foster independence, discovery and new voices in American film and theatre. Mr. Redford also
founded the Sundance Channel, Sundance Resort, Sundance Catalog, and Sundance Cinemas and the nonprofit Redford Center. Though very different in their activities and independent in their operations, all of Mr.
Redford’s Sundance entities share the same core mission he has always held dear: a passionate connection to
new artists, new voices and new perspectives. www.sundancegroup.net
Sundance Institute
The Sundance Film Festival is a program of Sundance Institute, a global nonprofit organization founded by
Robert Redford in 1981. Through its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers,
composers and playwrights, the Institute seeks to discover and support independent film and theatre artists from
the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work. The Institute promotes
independent storytelling to inform, inspire, and unite diverse populations around the globe. Sundance Institute
has nurtured such projects as Born into Brothels, Trouble the Water, Son of Babylon, Amreeka, An Inconvenient
Truth, Spring Awakening, I Am My Own Wife, Light in the Piazza and Angels in America. Join Sundance Institute
on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
AEG Europe and The O2
AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. It owns or operates some of the
world’s best arenas and theatres, numerous sports franchises including the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) and LA
Galaxy (MLS), and a collection of companies dedicated to producing, promoting and presenting world-class live
entertainment.
In May 2005, AEG Europe announced that it would transform the former Millennium Dome and the surrounding
area into the UK’s most exciting and technically advanced music, sport and entertainment destination. It was
renamed The O2 and opened in June 2007.
The centrepiece of the multi-million pound development is the 20,000 capacity indoor arena, the most popular
and busiest arena in the world. There is also a live music venue – indigO2 – with a capacity of 2,900, The O2
bubble – a state of the art exhibition space that is host to the British Music Experience, a permanent, high-tech,
interactive music museum, an 11 screen cinema complex, and a vibrant ‘Entertainment District’ featuring a
variety of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities.
The O2 arena sold more tickets than any other arena in the world last year (breaking all previous records) –
making it the most popular music venue in the world for the fifth year running.
AEG employs more than 3,000 staff in over 45 operating companies worldwide. Its international head office is in
Los Angeles, and its European headquarters is based in London.