Sundance 2021: Diverse Stories Spanning Drama, Docuseries, and More

Inconvenient Indian

2020 • 90 min

This urgent documentary, based on the bestselling book, follows renowned director Michelle Latimer as she explores the world of Thomas King, a leading Indigenous intellectual and celebrated storyteller.

1.0

7.3

Raspberry

2021 • 7 min

As funeral workers handle the details of a family's mourning, a son grapples with the difficulty of saying goodbye to his deceased father.

5.0

6.2

The Rifleman

2020 • 18 min

This film uses only archival footage to explore the connections between gun culture, the National Rifle Association, and the U.S. Border Patrol over the past fifty years.

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6.7

Mayday

2021 • 100 min

Ana finds herself in a surreal and perilous realm, joining a girl army locked in perpetual war. While discovering unexpected strength in this intense environment, she struggles with the role they envision for her – as a killer. And as…

5.0

4.5

Stream on

+11

Son of Monarchs

2021 • 97 min

Drama

A Mexican biologist working in New York goes back to his hometown in Michoacán, a region known for its beautiful butterfly forests. Returning home makes him face difficult memories and think about his mixed heritage, leading to a significant change…

5.8

6.1

17+

Stream on

Black Bodies

2020 • 5 min

This film follows a Black man's journey through life as he confronts the realities of racial experiences in 2020.

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6.0

Stream on

The Touch of the Master's Hand

2021 • 12 min

A young Mormon missionary struggles with an overwhelming and unsettling urge. He is forced to confront the painful reality of his pornography addiction, revealing the deeply shameful extent of his secret.

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6.2

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White Wedding

2021 • 10 min

During a wedding in the South marked by racial tension, a biracial bride unexpectedly gets a chance to reconnect with her father, a Black man she hasn't seen, after a mix-up leads to hiring his band for the ceremony.

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5.2

Wiggle Room

2021 • 13 min

Daisy must face the unscrupulous insurance agent who is in debt to her, in order to prevent the repossession of her wheelchair ramp.

—

6.1

Yoruga

2021 • 6 min

A solitary elderly man travels to Yoruga, one of the very last creatures remaining on the planet.

—

5.7

Five Tiger

2020 • 11 min

Set in South Africa today, the story follows a devout woman who enters into an arrangement to financially provide for her ailing husband and daughter.

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6.5

Coming Home in the Dark

2021 • 93 min

Crime, Horror, Thriller

A school teacher is haunted by a violent event from his history when he and his family are abducted on a terrifying road trip by a dangerous duo.

5.7

17+

Stream on

+18

Like the Ones I Used to Know

2021 • 18 min

It's Christmas Eve, December 24th, 10:50 p.m. Julie and her cousins have had too much sugar, and Santa is running late. Meanwhile, Denis is driving, feeling uneasy about going to his former in-laws' house to collect his children.

6.6

7.0

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Little Miss Fate

2020 • 8 min

In a world governed by destiny, Little Miss Fate unexpectedly becomes the world leader. Her actions inadvertently unleash a being that feeds on global affection. Quickly overwhelmed by the escalating situation, she loses control.

8.5

6.0

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The Longest Dream I Remember

2021 • 25 min

Leaving her hometown behind, Tania faces the implications of her departure as she searches for her missing father.

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5.2

John and the Hole

2021 • 103 min • Box office $25K

Drama, Thriller, Horror

While exploring the woods near his home, 13-year-old John finds an unfinished bunker – a deep hole in the ground. He drugs his parents and older sister and pulls them into the bunker, holding them captive. As his family waits…

5.3

5.1

17+

Stream on

+10

We're Not Animals

2021 • 16 min

Igor's ex-girlfriend, Marie, unexpectedly becomes a popular figure on Instagram, largely due to an activist group promoting female sexual health. Feeling depressed by this development, Igor becomes convinced it's a calculated effort to sabotage his chances of finding a new…

1.0

5.8

The Sparks Brothers

2021 • 140 min • Box office $677K

Documentary, Music

This film follows the musical journey of brothers Ron and Russell Mael through five distinct decades, highlighting the enduring influence of Sparks – a band beloved by many of today's most popular artists.

7.4

7.8

17+

Stream on

Souvenir, Souvenir

2020 • 15 min

For a decade, I feigned interest in my grandfather's recollections of the Algerian War. Now, I question whether I truly want to hear those stories, or if I should even pursue making this film.

6.6

6.8

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Trepanation

2021 • 7 min

Everything they knew is gone. Now, all that matters is escaping, vanishing without a trace.

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4.9

The Pink Cloud

2021 • 104 min

A strange, toxic pink cloud appears worldwide, forcing everyone to stay indoors. A woman finds herself unexpectedly sharing an apartment with a stranger after a brief encounter, and they must figure out how to navigate their shared confinement.

5.8

5.9

17+

Stream on

Violation

2020 • 107 min

Horror, Drama

Haunted by personal struggles and facing divorce, a woman returns to her childhood home and her younger sister after a long absence. However, when her sister and brother-in-law break her trust, she launches a relentless campaign for retribution.

5.5

5.3

Stream on

Lizard

2021 • 19 min

An eight-year-old girl who can sense danger is removed from Sunday school. She unknowingly observes the hidden world surrounding a large church in Lagos.

6.0

6.4

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A Glitch in the Matrix

2021 • 108 min

This film explores the idea that our reality might be a simulation. It examines this question using archival footage, interviews with individuals represented by digital avatars, and case studies involving unconventional thinkers from today's culture.

5.3

Stream on

Dear Philadelphia

2021 • 28 min

This film explores the powerful bond between three African American fathers, focusing on their journey with forgiveness and the strength found in community.

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8.0

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The Field Trip

2021 • 13 min

A group of fifth graders discover the skills needed to succeed in today's American job market.

—

6.8

Snowy

2021 • 12 min

Snowy, a four-inch-long pet turtle, has spent his entire life in isolation in a family basement. A team of specialists, along with his caretaker Uncle Larry, explore a question: Is happiness possible for Snowy, and what does it require?

6.0

7.4

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We're All Going to the World's Fair

2022 • 86 min • Box office $96K

Drama, Horror

A teenager's perception of reality becomes distorted as she becomes deeply engrossed in an online role-playing horror game while spending time alone in her attic bedroom.

5.4

Stream on

Tears Teacher

2020 • 10 min

Yoshida believes crying is essential for well-being and dedicates himself to making others cry. He's a "tears teacher" with the goal of encouraging more people to weep regularly.

7.0

In the Earth

2021 • 107 min

Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller

A deadly virus sweeps the globe, prompting Dr. Martin Lowery to journey to ATU327A, a remote research facility within the Arboreal Forest. He's guided by park scout Alma, but their progress is hampered by a nighttime attack that leaves them…

5.6

5.1

17+

Stream on

Pleasure

2021 • 108 min • Budget $1M • Box office $393K

Drama

Linnéa, a 19-year-old from a small Swedish town, moves to Los Angeles determined to become a famous adult film star. However, achieving her ambition proves to be more difficult than she anticipated.

6.3

17+

Stream on

This Is the Way We Rise

2021 • 12 min

This film explores the creative process of Native Hawaiian slam poet Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio. Her artistic inspiration is renewed as she feels a strong connection to protecting the sacred sites on Maunakea in Hawai'i.

8.0

5.7

CODA

2021 • 112 min • Budget $10M • Box office $1M

Drama, Music, Romance

Ruby is a CODA – a child of deaf adults – and the only hearing person in her family. When their fishing business faces difficulties, Ruby struggles to balance her passion for music with her reluctance to leave her parents…

7.9

8.0

13+

Stream on

Doublespeak

2021 • 10 min

A young woman struggles to cope with the consequences following her report of sexual harassment at work.

4.8

6.4

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The Blazing World

2021 • 101 min

Since she was six, Margaret has been haunted by the memory of watching her sister drown during a violent argument between her parents. As a young woman, she becomes increasingly consumed by her own troubled thoughts, eventually reaching a point…

4.4

17+

Stream on

Censor

2021 • 84 min • Box office $314K

Horror, Mystery

A BBFC screener known for her uncompromisingly strict ratings of violent films experiences a breakdown after watching a low-budget horror movie that eerily mirrors the disappearance of her sister.

5.8

5.9

—

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+10

Jockey

2021 • 94 min

A veteran jockey sets his sights on a final championship victory, but his ambition is challenged by the arrival of a young rider who insists he is his son.

5.7

6.3

17+

Stream on

KKUM

2020 • 8 min

My mother has always had vivid dreams that seem to predict significant events in my life. I trust her dreams implicitly, more so than any organized religion.

8.0

6.9

When We Were Bullies

2021 • 36 min

A strange coincidence prompts a filmmaker to reconnect with his fifth-grade class and teacher, revisiting a bullying incident from fifty years prior and exploring their recollections and involvement.

5.0

5.4

14+

Stream on

On the Count of Three

2022 • 86 min

Comedy, Drama

Desperate to escape his life, Val decides he needs help ending things. Feeling like a failure, he enlists his best friend Kevin, who is recovering from a failed suicide attempt, to join him. Before they proceed, however, they have some…

6.5

7.0

17+

Stream on

The Dog Who Wouldn't Be Quiet

2021 • 73 min

Drama

Sebastian, a man in his thirties, takes temporary jobs and finds happiness in love as the world faces potential disaster. His relationships change him with each new connection, as he deals with the difficulties of human interaction while the world…

6.6

6.2

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Superior

2022 • 97 min

Fleeing from something, Marian goes back to her hometown in upstate New York to stay with her estranged twin sister, Vivian. Trying to leave her past behind, Marian doesn't tell Vivian why she's back, keeping her sister in the dark…

4.1

5.4

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Together Together

2021 • 90 min • Box office $1M

Comedy, Drama, Romance

A solitary young woman named Anna is hired as a surrogate for Matt, a man in his 40s who is single. As they work together, Anna and Matt begin to question their ideas about relationships, intimacy, and what it truly…

6.4

17+

Stream on

In the Same Breath

2021 • 98 min

Documentary

This documentary follows the experiences of people as the novel coronavirus first emerged, examining how two countries responded to the initial spread of the disease. It chronicles the outbreak's early days in Wuhan and its subsequent impact across the United…

7.1

7.5

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Ailey

2021 • 94 min

This is a portrait of Alvin Ailey, a visionary artist who discovered his purpose through dance. Using his own words and a dance inspired by his life, the film tells the story of a man who, rejected by society, decided…

6.0

6.8

13+

Stream on

At the Ready

2021 • 96 min

Horizon High School in El Paso offers one of the region's most extensive law enforcement training programs. Here, students prepare for careers as police officers and Border Patrol agents, but they begin to confront the complexities of these professions and…

4.0

6.3

Stream on

Cusp

2021 • 83 min

In a small Texas town dominated by a military base, three teenage girls grapple with the complexities of growing up during a surreal and intense summer.

5.4

5.7

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Homeroom

2021 • 90 min

Set against the backdrop of a year of significant upheaval for the graduating class of 2020 at Oakland High School, this film explores the emotional lives of teenagers navigating adulthood during a time of rapid change.

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5.5

17+

Stream on

Rebel Hearts

2021 • 99 min

A group of pioneering nuns challenge the Catholic Church's traditional power structure, fighting for their jobs, beliefs, and equal rights against a powerful Cardinal. From participating in the Selma marches of 1965 to the Women’s March in 2018, these women…

3.5

6.8

Stream on

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It

2021 • 90 min

Rita Moreno overcame a difficult start and persistent racism to achieve a rare distinction: an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Throughout a seventy-year career, she broke barriers for Hispanic-American actors by consistently rejecting stereotypical roles.

7.5

7.7

13+

Stream on

Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

2021 • 117 min • Box office $3M

Music, Documentary, History

The summer of Woodstock also saw the Harlem Cultural Festival, where over 300,000 people gathered to celebrate African American music and culture, fostering Black pride and unity. Footage of this remarkable event remained hidden in storage for over 50 years,…

7.6

8.0

13+

Stream on

Try Harder!

2021 • 85 min

At Lowell High School, where intelligence is celebrated and Asian American identity is commonplace, the graduating seniors vie for the ultimate goal: acceptance into their preferred colleges. The school's orchestra is renowned globally, and the academic pressure to succeed is…

8.6

7.3

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Up at Night

2019 • 21 min

Opening with a woman describing the lack of electricity in Kinshasa, the film softens the directness of her words through its visual presentation. The accompanying image is initially absent, then duplicated, and sometimes tripled. The filmmaker employs a playful approach,…

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5.7

Users

2023 • 81 min

A mother grapples with the fear that her children might prefer advanced technology to her. She activates a smart-crib to soothe her crying infant, highlighting the omnipresence of this seemingly flawless maternal aid. This technological caregiver constantly watches over and…

6.0

5.6

Stream on

Passing

2021 • 98 min

Drama

New York City, 1920s. A Black woman's life is disrupted when she reconnects with a childhood friend now living as white.

6.3

6.6

13+

Stream on

El Planeta

2021 • 82 min

In post-crisis Spain, a mother and daughter navigate life through deception, trying to maintain a lifestyle of comfort while facing shared hardship and the threat of losing their home.

6.0

6.4

Stream on

Fire in the Mountains

2022 • 84 min

A mother works tirelessly to save money for a road that will allow her wheelchair-bound son to access physiotherapy in a remote Himalayan village. However, her husband, convinced that a costly religious ritual holds the cure, steals her life savings.

8.0

6.6

Stream on

Hive

2021 • 84 min

Drama

Since the war in Kosovo, Fahrije's husband has been missing. To support her children, she starts a small business. However, she confronts a patriarchal society that doesn't support women. She must then decide whether to wait for his return or…

7.0

7.1

Stream on

Human Factors

2022 • 102 min

To escape work pressures at their advertising agency, Nina and Jan take their children, Max and Emma, to their seaside vacation home. A new, controversial client puts the couple at odds, testing their values. Their relaxing getaway turns unsettling when…

4.5

5.7

Stream on

Wild Indian

2021 • 90 min • Budget $20M

Crime, Drama, Thriller

Years after concealing his role in a classmate's murder, Michael has built a new life, leaving his past behind. But when a man who knows his secret seeks revenge, Michael desperately tries to shield his present – his wife and…

5.4

5.8

—

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Luzzu

2021 • 94 min

On the island of Malta, Jesmark, a fisherman facing hardship, breaks with his family's history and takes a dangerous risk by joining the black market fishing trade. His motivation: to support his girlfriend and their new baby.

6.8

6.9

Stream on

One for the Road

2022 • 128 min

Boss, a mysterious New York bar owner, reconnects with his long-lost best friend, Aood, for a journey to Thailand after Aood receives a terminal diagnosis.

7.0

7.2

Marvelous and the Black Hole

2022 • 81 min • Budget $1M

Comedy, Drama

A troubled teenager forms an unlikely bond with a grumpy magician. He uses his magic tricks to help her confront her personal struggles and deal with problems at home.

6.8

6.2

Stream on

Bambirak

2021 • 13 min

Eight-year-old Kati from Afghanistan secretly gets on her father Faruk's truck. Now, Faruk has to balance being a single parent with working his first job in a new country.

6.6

6.4

Stream on

Faya Dayi

2021 • 120 min

This film follows a spiritual journey to the highlands of Harar, exploring the traditions surrounding khat, a leaf used for centuries by Sufi Muslims for religious meditation and now Ethiopia's major cash crop. Through personal stories, it offers a glimpse…

7.6

6.8

Stream on

Misha and the Wolves

2021 • 90 min

Documentary, Mystery

A Holocaust memoir becomes a global sensation, but when the author's former publisher – now a detective – investigates, the story unravels. It appears the memoir is a carefully constructed lie, designed to conceal a far more disturbing reality.

6.9

6.6

13+

Stream on

The Fire Next Time

2020 • 8 min

Growing frustration over inequality erupts into widespread rioting in a disadvantaged community. The already tense atmosphere escalates as the housing estate itself seems to amplify the unrest.

3.0

6.3

Stream on

Playing with Sharks

2021 • 95 min

Valerie Taylor is a renowned Australian figure and passionate shark advocate. A fearless diver, cinematographer, and conservationist, she gained fame filming sharks for the movie *Jaws*. She famously used herself as bait in a chainmail suit, significantly contributing to our…

7.6

7.5

Stream on

President

2023 • 115 min

Zimbabwe faces a pivotal election. Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the opposition MDC party, is challenging the long-established ZANU-PF, headed by Emmerson Mnangagwa, often called "The Crocodile." The election will test both the ruling and opposition parties, raising questions about…

7.5

7.7

Stream on

Sabaya

2021 • 90 min

Using only a mobile phone and a gun, Mahmud, Ziyad, and their team put their lives on the line to rescue Yazidi women and girls held captive by ISIS. These women and girls are being treated as "Sabaya," or sex…

6.9

7.1

Stream on

Taming the Garden

2022 • 92 min

Georgia's ex-prime minister has developed an unusual passion: collecting ancient trees. He acquires century-old specimens, some towering over 15 stories high, from coastal communities. He then has these massive trees uprooted – at considerable cost and disruption – to be…

6.8

6.9

Stream on

Flee

2021 • 89 min • Budget $3M • Box office $712K

Documentary, Animation

Mostly told through animation to protect his privacy, Amin reflects on his childhood as an Afghan refugee while confronting a secret he has guarded for two decades.

7.7

7.9

13+

Stream on

Forever

2020 • 7 min

The rise of artificial intelligence prompts widespread self-reflection.

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6.9

Writing with Fire

2021 • 92 min

In a male-dominated news industry, India's only newspaper run entirely by Dalit women is making waves. Using smartphones, Chief Reporter Meera and her team challenge conventions and report on India's most pressing issues, both in the public sphere and within…

7.3

Stream on

+12

How It Ends

2021 • 83 min

Comedy, Drama

Liza gets an invitation to a final, extravagant party before the world ends. Getting there proves difficult: her car is stolen, and she's racing against time to say goodbye to loved ones. Joined by her younger self, Liza sets off…

4.8

5.4

17+

Stream on

Land

2021 • 89 min • Box office $2M

Drama

Following a devastating event, Edee struggles to reconnect with her old life. Uncertain about the future, she seeks refuge in the remote and challenging Rocky Mountains. After a local hunter saves her life, she must find a way to begin…

6.7

13+

Stream on

Strawberry Mansion

2021 • 91 min • Budget $200K

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure

Set in the near future, a government monitors citizens' dreams to collect taxes. Government agent James Preble is sent to a remote farmhouse to audit the dreams of Arabella "Bella" Isadora, an unusual elderly artist. While exploring Bella's extensive collection…

6.8

6.5

Stream on

+19

Knocking

2021 • 78 min

Following a traumatic event, Molly relocates to a new apartment as part of her healing process. However, she soon experiences unsettling disturbances: a recurring pattern of insistent knocking and screams that disrupt her sleep.

5.5

5.7

Stream on

+11

Prime Time

2021 • 93 min

Drama, Thriller

On December 31st, 1999, twenty-year-old Sebastian takes two hostages inside a television studio. Armed with a gun, he intends to deliver a significant message to the world. The film chronicles the actions of a young man resorting to drastic measures…

5.2

17+

Stream on

Prisoners of the Ghostland

2021 • 103 min

Action, Fantasy, Horror

In the dangerous frontier city of Samurai Town, a notorious bank robber is released from prison by the powerful Governor, whose adopted granddaughter Bernice has disappeared. The Governor promises the prisoner his freedom if he finds her. Wearing a suit…

5.0

4.2

Stream on

+12

The Cursed

2021 • 111 min • Box office $4M

Horror, Drama, Thriller

In late 19th-century Europe, a ruthless landowner murders a Roma family, bringing a curse upon his family and the nearby village. Soon after, the town is tormented by nightmares, the landowner's son disappears, and a boy is found dead. While…

6.6

6.2

17+

Stream on

Mother Schmuckers

2021 • 70 min

Issachar and Zabulon, two brothers in their twenties who are exceptionally foolish and constantly seeking amusement, face a serious consequence when their mother's cherished dog goes missing. They have just one day to find the dog, or risk being evicted…

4.9

4.8

Stream on

GNT

2020 • 4 min

Glenn embarks on a questionable quest, questioning how far she'll push herself to dominate a group of people – and the online world.

1.0

6.1

Searchers

2021 • 81 min

Based on more than seventy-five conversations with New Yorkers from all walks of life – different ages, backgrounds, and identities – *Searchers* offers a view of New York City through the lens of couples seeking connection online.

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5.5

Stream on

The Unseen River

2020 • 23 min

Along a river, stories unfold. A woman reconnects with a former love at a hydroelectric plant. Separately, a young man journeys downstream to a temple, hoping to find a remedy for his sleeplessness.

6.3

All Light, Everywhere

2021 • 109 min

Filmmaker Theo Anthony explores how our perspectives are shaped by ingrained biases, with a particular focus on the power of recorded images to influence our understanding.

6.7

6.8

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First Date

2021 • 103 min

Mike's first date with his neighbor, Kelsey, goes wrong when he's scammed into buying a questionable 1965 Chrysler. Suddenly, he's being pursued by criminals, the police, and an eccentric cat enthusiast.

5.5

5.4

Stream on

+11

Ma Belle, My Beauty

2021 • 96 min

Two women, previously in a polyamorous relationship, unexpectedly reunite in southern France. The meeting stirs up old feelings and creates tension fueled by jealousy.

5.8

5.4

Stream on

Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street

2021 • 107 min

This film explores the creation of Sesame Street, the groundbreaking children's television program that has profoundly impacted generations. It details the development of the show’s beloved characters and memorable music, revealing how a team of innovative creators revolutionized the way…

7.5

8.0

Stream on

My Name Is Pauli Murray

2021 • 91 min

Pauli Murray, a largely forgotten figure, was a pioneering lawyer whose ideas shaped the struggles for gender equality championed by Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the civil rights arguments of Thurgood Marshall. This film, featuring previously unseen footage and recordings, presents…

8.2

7.1

13+

Stream on

Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

2021 • 101 min

Amy Tan is a highly acclaimed American author. Growing up with Chinese immigrant parents, she didn't fully grasp the lasting impact of past trauma until much later in life. This trauma stemmed from the experiences of women who endured the…

8.2

7.8

Stream on

Bring Your Own Brigade

2021 • 120 min

This film explores the untold stories of wildfires that shape our country, focusing on the firsthand experiences of firefighters and residents battling devastating blazes.

9.0

7.2

17+

Stream on

Lata

2020 • 21 min

Lata, a 23-year-old domestic worker, quietly develops inner strength as she works in a wealthy South Mumbai household. Her position allows her glimpses into the different lives and conflicts within the family.

5.2

5.9

R♥️J

2021 • 91 min

Romance, Drama

This fresh take on Romeo and Juliet unfolds entirely through social media and smartphone screens, reimagining the classic love story with modern flair and poetic language. The story centers on young Black and Brown people.

6.6

6.4

Mass

2021 • 111 min • Box office $131K

Drama

Following a devastating event, two couples gather for a difficult and emotionally exposed discussion.

7.4

7.5

13+

Stream on

+10

The World to Come

2021 • 105 min

Romance, Drama, Western

In 1856, two women develop a deep friendship while living apart on the American frontier.

7.0

6.4

17+

Stream on

Flex

2020 • 4 min

A bodybuilder's thoughts become increasingly focused and driven as he poses for a mirror.

4.7

4.2

The Most Beautiful Boy in the World

2021 • 93 min

Documentary

In 1971, Italian director Lucino Visconti's film *Death in Venice* premiered, and Visconti declared the young actor Björn Andrésen, who played Tadzio, to be the world's most beautiful boy. This pronouncement has cast a lasting impact on Andrésen, influencing his…

7.5

6.8

Stream on

The Affected

2021 • 13 min

Moments before takeoff, a crisis unfolds when a passenger refuses to board, determined to prevent the deportation of another. The pilot is then forced to choose a side in a political conflict, a position he desperately wants to avoid.

10.0

6.6

Stream on

100

You Wouldn’t Understand

2021 • 9 min

A solitary picnic takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a stranger.

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5.1

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