Late Night, starring Emma Thompson Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival |
The festival will open with comedy Late Night, which stars Emma Thompson as a talk show host facing the axe who also faces challenges when she hires her first female staff writer (Mindy Kaling). The UK premiere of Penny Lane's documentary Hail Satan? will close the festival, which runs over four days at London's Picturehouse Central.
Other British talent in the line-up includes Shola Amoo's coming of age tale The Last Tree, while Holliday Grainger stars alongside Alia Shawkat in Animals - directed by 52 Tuesdays Sophie Hyde. An equal number of male and female directors will be featured.
Founder of Sundance Institute Robert Redford said: "Society relies on storytellers. The choices they make, and the risks they take, define our collective experience. The slate at this year's Sundance Film Festival: London is full of storytellers who offer challenges, questions and entertainment. In telling their stories, they make difficult decisions in the pursuit of truth and art; culture reaps the reward.”
Sundance Film Festival director John Cooper added: “These films and artists tell the truth: whether documentaries that illuminate hidden histories or fiction features that spotlight diverse, human experiences. We're thrilled to bring these layered, intense and authentic stories to the Sundance Film Festival: London.”
A Triple Threat repertory strand will present three films from the Sundance archive - 52 Tuesdays, Animal Kingdom and Precious and there will also be panel discussions and Q&As.
Tickets for the general public will go on sale at noon on 23 April. See the full main slate line up here.