By Jessica Herndon
There is something visceral about stories that dig deep into what it feels like to be Black — the joy, beauty, and complexity. These narratives aren’t just films, but mirrors, magnifiers, and time capsules that challenge and expand our understanding of history, identity, and belonging. They hit hard because they’re unapologetically honest, demand to be seen, and speak to experiences that are often dismissed or misunderstood. The selection of Black-led stories within the 2025 Sundance Film Festival lineup feels like a call to pay attention — not just to the stories themselves, but to those telling them.
From an intimate narrative that’s like a love letter to a community to shorts on love and legacy and documentaries that spotlight a musical icon and the brutal realities of Florida’s “stand your ground” laws, this collection of films amplifies Black voices and celebrates the artistry and emotional depth of Black stories.
Ahead, we’re diving into 10 films exploring the Black experience at the Fest, from the personal to the political. Add these titles to your schedule and read through more guides like this one to get familiar with the artists at this year’s Festival.
SHORT FILM
Hold Me Close (Documentary Short Film Program) — The intimate short from directors Aurora Brachman and LaTajh Simmons-Weaver captures the emotional depth of the bond between Corinne and Tiana, described in the program guide as “two Queer Black womxn who experience cycles of life’s joys and pains together.” Set within their home, the film explores their relationship as they move through both light and dark moments, offering a tender portrait of love. Available in person and online.
FEATURE FILMS
BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions (NEXT) — This innovative feature considers history, identity, and the possibilities of liberation. Kahlil Joseph builds on the brilliance of his BLKNWS project (2020 Sundance Film Festival) with a sprawling film that connects the dots between W. E. B. Du Bois, ancestral legacies, and a surreal journey aboard a transatlantic cruise ship. An enigmatic blend of fact and metaphysics, the movie is packed with rich insight and vision, inviting audiences to imagine what freedom truly feels like. Available in person and online.
How to Build a Library (World Cinema Documentary Competition) — This doc from Maia Lekow and Christopher King tells a story of reclamation and transformation as Shiro and Wachuka set out to reinvent Nairobi’s McMillan Memorial Library — a space once steeped in colonial exclusion — into a thriving cultural hub for their community. The film weaves a nuanced narrative that balances the logistical hurdles of fundraising and navigating local politics with profound questions about what it means to confront and reshape a colonial past. Available in person and online.
Khartoum (World Cinema Documentary Competition) — When conflict forces five citizens of Khartoum to flee Sudan, they transform their personal experiences into a collective story, blending reality with dreamlike reenactments of their struggles. Directed by a collaboration of filmmakers — Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed, and Phil Cox — the film threads together footage captured before their escape with imaginative sequences that offer an exploration of survival amid the brutal backdrop of war and displacement. Available in person and online.
Love, Brooklyn (U.S. Dramatic Competition) — A soulful ode to a city in flux, Rachael Abigail Holder’s directorial debut blends humor, heart, and hard truths in a story about love, friendship, and the inevitable pull of change. André Holland brings charm and chaos as Roger, a carefree artist whose bickering with DeWanda Wise’s no-nonsense Nicole — a single mom juggling dating and parenting — is both sharp and romantic. Meanwhile, Nicole Beharie’s Casey grapples with a shifting relationship dynamic and the rocky state of her art gallery amid the fluctuating creative culture in Brooklyn. Available in person and online.
Move Ya Body: The Birth of House (Premieres) — Elegance Bratton’s documentary takes us into the heart of Chicago’s underground dance scene, where a group of friends — led by the visionary Vince Lawrence — created a genre that changed music. We’re along for the ride as Lawrence shares what led him to record the first house song, igniting a movement that brought marginalized communities together. Blending vibrant interviews with house music’s pioneers and archival gems, Bratton crafts a dynamic glimpse of the history of a sound that redefined how people connect to music and each other. Available in person.
The Perfect Neighbor (U.S. Documentary Competition) — Executive-produced by Soledad O’Brien, this doc is a chilling, real-life exploration of how “a seemingly minor neighborhood dispute in Florida escalates into deadly violence,” as described in the program guide. Director Geeta Gandbhir crafts a haunting narrative that exposes the reality of Florida’s “stand your ground” laws using police body camera footage and investigative interviews, capturing the disturbing conflict in a suburban neighborhood. As the reality behind a “Karen” figure’s aggressive actions comes to light, the film forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about race, privilege, and the justice system’s willingness to protect certain lives over others. Available in person and online.
Ricky (U.S. Dramatic Competition) — Stephan James delivers a raw and compelling performance as Ricky, a 30-year-old man trying to reconcile his past and navigate a new world of social norms after spending years in prison. Sheryl Lee Ralph brings grit and grace as Joanne, his tough but compassionate parole officer. Rashad Frett’s richly textured feature debut captures the struggle of finding your footing in a world that moved on without you. Available in person and online.
Seeds (U.S. Documentary Competition) — A moving meditation on the resilience of Southern Black farmers in America, Brittany Shyne’s debut feature highlights an urgent truth: The land that once symbolized independence and opportunity for Black farmers is slipping away, with systemic barriers making it harder to hold onto. Shyne’s thoughtful lens turns this struggle into a powerful testament to perseverance, honoring the families who fight to ensure their roots remain firmly planted for generations to come. Available in person and online.
SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (Premieres) — Back at the Fest after the 2021 premiere of his striking debut Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson returns with an exploration of the incredible rise and complicated legacy of Sly & The Family Stone. More than just a traditional biography, the film digs into the price of success for Black artists in America, painting a picture of Sly Stone’s unparalleled contribution to music and the emotional toll of being a trailblazer. Available in person.
Become a Sundance Institute member by January 10 to get early access to our Single Film Ticket Pre-Sale. That means you’ll be able to purchase movie tickets before they become available to the general public! Members also get 20% off merch and invites to special events.
