Sundance begins today, and that means we all wait with bated breath about the next films to get excited about this year, but in the meantime, here’s a few early clips that have snuck out for films premiering at Sundance. First up, Southside With You is based on the origin story of the relationship between President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Richard Tanne‘s debut feature premiering at Sundance certainly has a relevant hook, and this clip gives the best sense of the flirty rapport between the two budding politicians, played by Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter.
Next up, Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown To Off the Wall, directed by Spike Lee, shines a light on the decade plus period between Michael Jackson’s Motown records days and the release of his landmark album, Off the Wall. The first clip shows Jackson in 1979 strutting in an impossibly shiny suit, singing all-timer “Don’t Stop Until You Get Enough,” as luminaries like David Byrne and Questlove reminisce about the song and its bizarre Star Wars-influenced lyrics. Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown To Off the Wall will be shown February 5th on Showtime after its Sundance premiere.
Sure to be polarizing, Rich Fox‘s latest documentary The Blackout Experiments delves into a real underground experience called “Blackout” where interested parties pay for the experience of being abducted and being molested. This clip shows two previous participants recounting the intoxicating allure of the experience, and their overwhelming nervousness waiting for it to begin.
James Foley’s story dominated headlines two years ago when he was murdered while imprisoned by Isis Forces. Brian Oakes‘ documentary Jim: The James Foley Story just released its first trailer, which talks to people in Foley’s circle as well as illustrates the moral courage necessary to be a journalist in dangerous places. After premiering at Sundance, Jim: The James Foley Story will be shown on HBO on February 6.
