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The annual Sundance Film Festival commenced last week in Park City, Utah, with an exciting line up of feature films, shorts and episodic projects. Established in August 1978 and organised by the Sundance Institute, it is the largest independent film festival in the United States, acting as a showcase for new work from American and international independent filmmakers. The festival consists of competitive sections for American and international dramatic and documentary films, both feature films and short films, and a group of out-of-competition sections.
2025 marks Sundance’s exciting 47th year and we are pleased to see that this week premiers a range of films shot on Cooke lenses at the festival. Here is a comprehensive list of what to look out for.
Atropia (U.S Dramatic Competition) Cooke S4/i lenses
Alia Shawkat stars as aspiring actress Faruze who works on a U.S. military base that simulates an Iraqi war zone. The debut feature is directed by Hailey Gates and shot by Cinematographer Eric Yue, which reflects on the controversial methods used to train American soldiers in the early 2000s.
Peter Hujar’s Day (Premiere) Cooke Zoom (shot 16mm)
This Biological drama, written and directed by Ira Sachs, is an intimate story starring Ben Whishaw as Peter Hujar alongside Rebecca Hall as Linda Rosenkrantz. Hujar monologues to Rosenkrantz in what initially seems as a mundane recount of the previous day, however, as he wears on, moments that he recalls become more profound. With cinematography by Alex Ashe, the film is an introspective journey that sheds light on New York’s 1970’s art world.
DJ Ahmet (World Dramatic Competition) Cooke S4/i lenses
15-year-old Ahmet is from a remote Yuruk village in North Macedonia. Tied by his father’s and societies’ expectations, he finds refuge in music as he navigates his teenage years and the forbidden love for a promised girl. Directed by Georgi M. Unkovski and shot by Naum Doksevski, the film beautifully portrays an alternative experience of adolescence.
Kiss of the Spider Woman (Premiere) Cooke Panchro/i Classic FF lenses
Based on the celebrated novel, Bill Condon’s Kiss of the Spider Woman is set in early 1980’s Argentina as war and dictatorship wreaks havoc on the nation. Political prisoner Valentín and fellow convict Molina form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts a Hollywood musical plot starring Ingrid Luna. The cinematographer is Tobias A. Schliessler, known for his stellar work on films such as Dreamgirls and Beauty and the Beast.
Jimpa (Premiere) Cooke Speed Panchro lenses
Olivia Coleman stars as filmmaker Hannah, who, along with her non-binary teenager Frances, visit Hannah’s gay father Jimpa in Amsterdam in an effort for Frances to get to know him more. Hannah works on her semi-autobiographical movie, which depicts her family history with rose-tinted glasses. However, after Frances expresses a desire to stay with Jimpa for a year, Hannah is forced to confront her past familial issues. With direction by Sophie Hyde and cinematography by Matthew Chuang, the film addresses important topics when it comes to culture and family.
If I had legs I’d Kick You (Premiere) Cooke Cinetal 25-250mm lens
With her life literally crashing down around her, Linda (Rose Byrne) attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. Mary Bronstein directs, working alongside cinematographer Christopher Messina for this comedic drama.
East of Wall (Next Competition) Cooke S4/i lenses
Kate Beecroft’s directorial debut, East of Wall is a docu-fiction that follows Tabitha, a young and rebellious horse trainer who wrestles with financial insecurity and unresolved grief while providing refuge for a group of wayward teenagers on her broken-down ranch in the Badlands. With cinematography by Austin Shelton, the film beautifully captures America’s modern west in intimate detail.
East of Wall (2025)
Cooke is proud to be a part of this diverse range of motion pictures from talented filmmakers across the globe. Best of luck to all nominees!
