Every year, Independent film lovers travel near and far to a small town in Utah with a population of only eight-thousand for Sundance, the largest indie film festival in the country. During the 10 days which the event runs, people come together to listen and share their stories and perspectives through a cinematic lens.
As this event comes and goes each year, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas’ Programming Manager, Anthony DeSanctis reflects on his time out West. Here are his top films that he looks forward to seeing once they hit the cinemas in the near future.
1 | Ibelin
My absolute favorite gem from the festival turned out to be the very first film I caught – the proud recipient of the Audience Award for World Cinema Documentary Competition: Ibelin. This film hit me right in the feels and easily ranks as one of the most emotionally charged experiences I had at Sundance. You just can’t help but fall in love with it. By the end of the movie, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house – and those were definitely the good kind of tears. Ibelin is the kind of movie that not only tugs at your heartstrings but ties a few knots in them for good measure.
2 | Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Another amazing documentary. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story masterfully navigates between the highs of his pre-accident career and the remarkable achievements he and his family accomplished afterward. The film portrays Reeve’s journey from embracing the iconic Superman role at 24 to grappling with the burdens it imposed, only to find himself embodying the superhero ethos once again after his life-altering accident. Through its poignant storytelling, the movie beautifully captures Reeve’s transformation into a beacon of hope for those with disabilities, echoing the core message of the Superman character. It’s a touching narrative that leaves not a single eye dry in the audience.
3 | In the Summers
A simple story, well told. This film is like a quiet surprise. Sneaky in its effectiveness, it creeps into your thoughts long after the credits roll. I found myself mulling over this gem for quite a while, and that’s when you know a movie has truly left its mark.
4 | Thelma
Picture this: what if Mission Impossible starred a 90-year-old woman instead of Tom Cruise? That’s the ingenious premise of this film, a delightful romp that pays homage to action cinema. At its heart is the lovable Thelma, brought to life by the always-charming June Squibb. And as if that wasn’t enough, the late, great Richard Roundtree graces the screen with his presence as well. Trust me, this movie is an absolute blast and you have to see it with a crowd. It’s so enjoyable that I found myself wishing it wouldn’t end, and I could easily see a series of films revolving around Thelma.
5 | Hit Man
Richard Linklater once again demonstrates his mastery in filmmaking with Hit Man, showcasing an abundance of confidence and charisma effortlessly. Glenn Powell’s natural on-camera presence reaffirms his ascent as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, while Adria Arjona’s instant stardom is undeniable. Together, their chemistry is mesmerizing, rendering the film endlessly rewatchable. Upon its conclusion, the desire to dive back into its world is immediate.
