Sundance Film Festival, International Federation of Film Critics Establish Jury to Assess Movies From First-Time Foreign Directors (EXCLUSIVE)

The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Sundance Film Festival are establishing a new jury that will assess the work of first-time international filmmakers. Dubbed the FIPRESCI jury, the collaboration will launch with next year’s edition of the festival. It also comes as Sundance is moving to Boulder, Colo. after spending most of its existence in Park City, Utah.

The FIPRESCI jury will consist of three critics and will evaluate debut films from the World Narrative and World Documentary feature film competitions, presenting two awards for the best narrative and best documentary.

The organizations said the move reflects “a shared commitment to independent cinema, critical dialogue, and the discovery of new voices in filmmaking.” The goal is also to facilitate exchanges between international film critics and their counterparts in the United States.

Founded in 1925, FIPRESCI is a global network of critics and film journalists from more than 80 countries. Through its international juries, publications, and initiatives, the federation promotes film culture and critical discourse across political and cultural boundaries.

The Sundance Film Festival, which was founded by Robert Redford in 1978, has become the most famous showcase of independent cinema in the world, helping to launch the careers of Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, Ryan Coogler and many other auteurs. By moving to Colorado, Sundance is hoping to access more financial support from the state and to operate the festival in a more affordable community than Park City, a posh ski resort. The goal is to make it easier for artists to afford going to the festival.

“In this monumental year of new beginnings for the Sundance Film Festival, we’re strengthening our bonds with the global film community through a partnership with FIPRESCI,” said Eugene Hernandez, director of the festival, in a statement. “This alliance will offer a vital spotlight for first-time international filmmakers, building on our shared mission to connect storytellers from around the world with their audiences, uplift global independent voices, support film culture’s critical voices, and champion this art form that unites us.”

“The upcoming edition will inaugurate a new chapter in the festival’s history as Sundance Film Festival begins its transition to a new home in Boulder, Colorado,” added Ahmed Shawky, president of FIPRESCI. “Symbolically, this moment of evolution coincides with the beginning of FIPRESCI’s presence at the festival. Both institutions share a belief in cinema as a space for artistic discovery, cultural exchange, and dialogue, making this partnership a natural development as FIPRESCI enters its second century and Sundance embarks on a new phase of renewal and growth.”