The Sundance Film Festival was decidedly a virtual affair this year, but that didn’t stop the joy from the filmmakers, actors, and artists who were honored at the annual awards ceremony. The big winners this year included “Nanny,” “The Exiles,” “Cha Cha Smooth” and “Navalny,” which took two Audience Awards.

READ MORE: ‘Utama’: A breathtaking portrait of a Quechua family on the brink [Sundance Review]

Nikyatu’s “Nanny,” which is still available as an acquisition title at publication, took the prestigious Grand Jury Prize in the U.S.

Continue reading ‘Nanny,’ ‘The Exiles,’ ‘Cha Cha Smooth’ & “Navalny’ Top 2022 Sundance Awards at The Playlist.

On July 7, 2017, former Marine Brian Brown-Easley, dressed in a grey hoodie, brandishing a bruised cheek underneath his glasses, walked into an Atlanta area Wells Fargo bank claiming to possess a bomb. Politely he allowed the majority of the bank’s customers and employees to leave, except for two. He had one demand: That the Department of Veteran Affairs, who took away his $892.34 disability check, give him his money. From this tragic real-life story arises Abi Damaris Corbin’s tightly constructed, yet cold film, “892.” A work explaining how the safety nets meant to protect the voiceless failed an Iraqi war vet, a Black man.

Continue reading ‘892’ Review: John Boyega Stars In Abi Damaris Corbin’s Tightly Constructed, But Cold Drama [Sundance] at The Playlist.

Somehow, Sundance 2020 — the last in-person iteration of the fest, pre-pandemic — feels like it was both a million years ago and just the other day. If COVID has taught us anything outside revealing the darkest side of humanity, it’s that time is definitely a construct. Many are still trying to catch up on various titles they might have missed over the last twelve months — most, no doubt, out of enjoyment, but, always some out of perceived awards’ season obligation, let’s be real.

Continue reading Sundance 2022 Preview: 20 Must-See Movies From The Festival at The Playlist.

The Sundance Film Festival takes place between January 20-30 and announced its full line-up today. Additionally, dozens of first-look images (see below) were released today alongside synopsizes for the festival slate that includes projects such as “Emily The Criminal,” “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” from young SXSW Winner and filmmaker/actor Cooper Raiff and “892.” The latter features the late Michael Kenneth Williams, the project shot before his untimely death.

Continue reading Sundance 2022 First Looks: Dakota Johnson In ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth,’ John Boyega In ‘892’ & More at The Playlist.

After exiting the Netflix film “Rebel Ridge” directed by Jeremy Saulnier (“Green Room“), British actor John Boyega (“Detroit“) is reportedly looking to help out an indie drama that was about to collapse if they couldn’t find a new leading man. 

READ MORE: New Report Alleges John Boyega Walked Off Jeremy Saulnier’s ‘Rebel Ridge’ Mid-Shoot Over Issues With The Script & Accommodations

We now know what project Boyega will make after leaving “Rebel Ridge” as The Hollywood Reporter says he’s joined the indie military drama “892” taking a lead role vacated by Jonathan Majors (“White Boy Rick,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “Lovecraft Country“).

Continue reading John Boyega Joins Indie Military Drama ‘892’ After Jonathan Majors Exits Due To Scheduling Conflict With ‘Ant-Man 3’ at The Playlist.