Two more world premiere feature films – Judas and the Black Messiah directed by Shaka King and Captains of Zaatari directed by Ali El Arabi, have been added to the 2021 Sundance Film Festival lineup. The 2021 Festival will be held virtually via a feature-rich, Sundance-built online platform and in person on Satellite Screens across the country (on a condition that it’s safe) from January 28 to February 3, 2021.
“We are delighted to welcome these powerful works into our program,” said Festival Director Tabitha Jackson, “In a year where our Festival already exemplifies the vanguard of bold, visionary storytelling from around the world, they help further expand our boundaries.”
The latest films confirmed to join the 2021 Sundance Film Festival slate are:
PREMIERES SECTION
Judas and the Black Messiah / U.S.A. (Director: Shaka King, Screenwriters: Will Berson, Shaka King, Producers: Ryan Coogler, Charles D. King, Shaka King) — FBI informant William O’Neal infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther party when J. Edgar Hoover fears charismatic leader Chairman Fred Hampton will emerge as a Black Messiah. O’Neal lives in fear of discovery and cannot escape the deadly trajectory of his betrayal. Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Lil Rel Howery, Martin Sheen. World Premiere
WORLD DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION SECTION
Captains of Zaatari / Egypt (Director and Producer: Ali El Arabi) — Mahmoud and Fawzi, two best friends trapped in Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan, dream of becoming professional football players. When a world renowned sports academy scout visits the camp, both have a chance to make their dreams come true. World Premiere