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.
