Along with being known for its impressive film history, the Sundance Film Festival has also seen many important documentaries screen during the event. The Celluloid Closet, Hail Satan?, and Paris is Burning were all helped by the buzz they generated at the festival. This year looks like it will add to Sundance’s history of great documentaries. Here are the ones we are looking forward to most this year.
The Go-Go’s
Those old enough to remember the early days of MTV probably have fond memories of The Go-Go’s. (Either that or they hate them for getting “Vacation” stuck in their head for three decades.) The group were one of the most popular bands of the 1980s. Unfortunately, the all girl band fell into the same trappings of fame that happen to many music groups. The Go-Go’s includes interviews with the band while explaining their importance to the industry.
Assassins
Anything that happens in North Korea is filled with mystery. One of the biggest stories to come out of the country is the 2017 death of Kim Jong-nam. The son of former Supreme Commander Kim-Jong-il, Kim Jong-nam was at one time expected to follow his father as the leader of North Korea. His assassination (rumored to be ordered by his half brother Kim Jong-un) is strange even among the odd tales that come out of the country. His death involves two women who claimed they were told they were on a prank show. Are the two ruthless assassins or just pawns?
Church and the Fourth Estate
An investigative team discovers a file that uncovers a cover up that includes the Boy Scouts, the Mormon Church, and a billionaire. What the reporters discover goes deeper than they expect. Their discovery leads to a case that ends up being one of the first to reveal widespread abuse in the Boy Scouts. With the organization now facing bankruptcy, what will they do to fight back?
Happy Happy Joy Joy – The Ren & Stimpy Story
The Ren & Stimpy Show is one of the most influential cartoons of all time. When it hit Nickelodeon’s airwaves in 1991, everyone from kids to adults took notice. The show was funny, shocking, and controversial. Its creator John Kricfalusi was as contentious as his groundbreaking television show. In less than a year, he was removed from his own creation. Unfortunately, Happy Happy Joy Joy is about more than just an important cartoon and how its megalomaniac creator was forced out.
Untitled Pizza Movie
This docu series actually started in the 1990s. Two friends set out to find the best slice of pizza in New York City. After visiting many local pizzerias, the two find what they are looking for. What they discover leads to a tale of corruption that includes Wall Street and the FBI. The friends drifted apart before the project could be finished. Tragically, one of aspiring directors recently passed away. His friend pieces together the footage that was taken.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.