By Bailey Pennick
One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn about them as people. We decided to get to the bottom of those artistic wells with our ongoing series: Give Me the Backstory!
In 2023, when John Wilson decided to end his (aptly titled) HBO show How To with John Wilson, there was one question that kept popping up from major publications to the comments section on his Instagram: John Wilson feature film when? The burning question wasn’t answered publicly until the 2026 Sundance Film Festival lineup was revealed last month. Wilson, the director who describes his filmmaking style as a type of “documentary as memoir,” would be returning to Park City, Utah. However, this time instead of crashing on an activation couch, he will be debuting his first full-length film, The History of Concrete.
The film is a long and winding road spun from the simple desire to learn more about concrete after Wilson finds out that his basement is flooded and he tries to fix it himself. When asked who he wants this film to reach, Wilson responds “Anyone who has a relationship with concrete.” That means that this film is definitely for you. The History of Concrete is a funny and surprisingly touching look at how we’re all connected through ways you might not expect — including a universally used building material.
Before the world dives into Wilson’s debut feature, which is part of the Premieres section of this year’s Fest, read more about why The History of Concrete needs to be told now, the hardest part about production, and the filmmaker’s creative heroes.
Tell us why and how you got into filmmaking?
I have been making films since I was a child when my dad gave me a home video camera. I eventually got a job working for a private investigator in my early twenties and it dramatically influenced the way I shoot and edit.
Why is filmmaking important to you? Why is it important to the world?
Film is the best way I can think of to preserve the memory of something.
Which of your personal characteristics contributes most to your success as a storyteller?
My willingness to embarrass myself.
What was the biggest inspiration behind The History of Concrete?
The flood in my basement.
Why does this story need to be told now?
There’s an urgency with this material because things are going to be falling apart very fast, very soon.
Films are lasting artistic legacies, what do you want yours to say?
People need to deliberately make things that last a long time.
Your favorite part of making The History of Concrete? Memories from the process?
Visiting the oldest concrete street in America.
What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?
Not having money to produce it.
If you weren’t a filmmaker, what would you be doing?
Carpentry.
Who are your creative heroes?
Frederick Wiseman, Agnes Varda, Susan Orlean.
What three things do you always have in your refrigerator?
Eggs, seltzer, butter.
One thing people don’t know about me is _____
I have one of the largest birthmarks in the world.
Who was the first person you told when you learned you got into the Sundance Film Festival?
The person standing next to me who happened to be one of the producers on my show.
What’s your favorite film that has come from the Sundance Institute or Festival?
Slacker.
