A still from “OBEX” by Albert Birney, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival (Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Pete Ohs)
By Lucy Spicer
It’s official — we’ve bid farewell to 2025 and are excitedly stepping into a new year full of new stories. And though we’re mere weeks away from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, one thing we’re not leaving behind is the flock of Sundance Institute–supported projects and artists from the past year (and before!) who continue to grow their audiences as the months roll by.
This January, independent film fans can enjoy four new Sundance Film Festival theatrical releases — three from 2025 and one brand-new title premiering at the upcoming Festival. This list includes two features on the shortlist for the 2026 Academy Awards (Cherien Dabis’ epic All That’s Left of You and Brittany Shyne’s feature debut, Seeds) as well as a black-and-white sci-fi adventure set in 1987 and a mockumentary starring Charli xcx set to premiere at the 2026 Festival.
All That’s Left of You — In her 2025 Sundance Film Festival epic, writer-director Cherien Dabis weaves together a story spanning generations. After her teenage son has a confrontation with Israeli soldiers during a protest at the West Bank, a Palestinian mother, Hanan (played by Dabis), recounts to him how their family history has led them to their present, beginning with the forced displacement of the boy’s grandfather. This sweeping family saga’s cast includes real-life family members Saleh Bakri, Adam Bakri, and Mohammad Bakri. Coming to select theaters January 9.
OBEX — In this sci-fi adventure, director Albert Birney — who also co-wrote and co-edited the film with Pete Ohs — stars as Conor Marsh, an introvert who lives a secluded life with his dog, Sandy. A big fan of computer games, Conor jumps at the chance to play a new, state-of-the-art game called OBEX. When Sandy appears to be abducted by the game’s villain and trapped inside the fantastical setting, Conor must enter the world of OBEX to save his canine companion. Shot in black and white, Birney’s hypnotic film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Coming to select theaters January 9.
Seeds — In her feature directorial debut, Brittany Shyne creates a lyrical portrait of Black farmers and their communities in Georgia and Mississippi. Shot in stunning black and white, Shyne’s documentary follows families who have been working the land for generations, hoping to pass on the legacy to their children and grandchildren even as the country’s economic and political systems fail to adequately protect their livelihood and crucial role in food production. Supported by Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program, Seeds premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it was awarded the U.S. Jury Grand Prize: Documentary. Coming to select theaters January 16.
The Moment — In his feature directorial debut, Aidan Zamiri reunites with Charli xcx following the pair’s music video collaborations to premiere a tongue-in-cheek mockumentary starring the singer as a version of herself as she prepares for her first arena tour after the wild success of her album brat. With an ensemble cast featuring Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Hailey Gates, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, and Rachel Sennott, The Moment is the first new title from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival to open in theaters. Coming to theaters January 30.
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour is still underway! Traveling to all corners of the United States and beyond in the following months, the 100-minute program features seven short films selected from the 2025 Festival, including two Festival Award–winning titles. Check here for dates and venues; see below for dates in January.
- Orlando, Florida, January 5, Enzian Theater
- Seattle, Washington, January 7–22, Northwest Film Forum
- Tucson, Arizona, January 8, Loft Cinema
- Dallas, Texas, January 9, The Texas Theatre
- Boston, Massachusetts, January 15–18, Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston
- Ridgway, Colorado, January 20, The Sherbino
