Sundance adds two films to line-up

Additional world premieres announced

by Amber Wilkinson

Darrel Britt-Gibson, Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield appear in Judas and the Black Messiah by Shaka King
Darrel Britt-Gibson, Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield appear in Judas and the Black Messiah by Shaka King Photo: Glen Wilson/Sundance Institute

Sundance has announced an additional two world premieres at this year's festival.

Shaka King's Judas And The Black Messiah joins the Premieres section, while Captains Of Zaatari, directed by Ali El Arabi, is added to the World Documentary slate.

King's film dramatises the story of FBI informant William O’Neal, who infiltrated the Illinois Black Panther party when J Edgar Hoover feared charismatic leader Chairman Fred Hampton would emerge as a Black Messiah and stars LaKeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya.

Arabi's documentary goes inside Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan, where Mahmoud and Fawzi dream of becoming professional football players. When a world renowned sports academy scout visits the camp, both have a chance to make their dreams come true.

“We are delighted to welcome these powerful works into our program,” said festival director Tabitha Jackson, “In a year where our Festival already exemplifies the vanguard of bold, visionary storytelling from around the world, they help further expand our boundaries.”

The festival, which is hosting its 2021 edition online, runs from January 28 to February 3.

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