Sundance has made two late additions to its 2021 festival lineup: an Egyptian soccer documentary called “Captains of Zaatari,” and Warner Bros.’ upcoming “Judas and the Black Messiah,” a rare example of a big studio film with ambitious Oscar hopes landing a big premiere stage at the generally indie festival.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is the story of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton and stars Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Lil Rel Howery and Martin Sheen. The film, directed by Shaka King and produced by Ryan Coogler, will make its world premiere at Sundance ahead of Warner Bros. releasing it in theaters and on HBO Max on Feb. 12.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is playing out of competition and will make its premiere on Feb. 1 at 6:00 p.m. MT on Sundance’s digital platform. It will also play on a number of the festival’s drive-in Satellite Screens this year. You can find the full list of those locations below.
“We are delighted to welcome these powerful works into our program,” festival director Tabitha Jackson said in a statement. “In a year where our festival already exemplifies the vanguard of bold, visionary storytelling from around the world, they help further expand our boundaries.”
“Captains of Zaatari” is making its world premiere in the World Documentary competition section of the festival and will debut on Jan. 31 on the digital platform. The film directed and produced by Ali El Arabi follows two best friends trapped in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan who 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.
With the latest two additions, Sundance now includes 73 feature-length films from 30 countries and 39 first-time feature filmmakers. Tickets and passes are on sale now for the festival, which begins Jan. 28.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” Satellite Screening Locations
THE PLAZA THEATER PRESENTED BY ATLANTA FILM SOCIETY
1049 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306
DAD’S GARAGE DRIVE-IN PRESENTED BY ATLANTA FILM SOCIETY
569 Ezzard St SE , Atlanta, GA, 30312
JOURDAN-BACHMAN PIONEER FARMS PRESENTED BY AUSTIN FILM SOCIETY
10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin, TX, 78754
SIDEWALK DRIVE-IN
1801 1st Ave. N. , Birmingham, AL, 35203
SIDEWALK FILM CENTER AND CINEMA
1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL, 35203
SPOTLIGHT CINEMAS CAPITAL 8 PRESENTED BY THE LUMINAL THEATER
201 Columbia Mall Blvd, Suite 211, Columbia, SC, 29223
THE TEXAS THEATRE PRESENTED BY AVIATION CINEMAS
231 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75208
MOONSTRUCK DRIVE-IN PRESENTED BY HOUSTON CINEMA ARTS SOCIETY
100 Bringhurst St, Houston, TX, 77020
FILMSCENE AT THE CHAUNCEY
404 E. College St, #100, Iowa City, IA, 52240
THE SPEED ART MUSEUM
2035 S. 3rd Street, Louisville, KY, 40208
MALCO SUMMER DRIVE-IN PRESENTED BY INDIE MEMPHIS
5310 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN, 38122
RIVERVIEW THEATER PRESENTED BY FILMNORTH
3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55406
BELCOURT DRIVE-IN
2102 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212
THE LOFT OPEN AIR CINEMA
3233 East Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85716
ADMIRAL TWIN DRIVE-IN PRESENTED BY CIRCLE CINEMA
7355 E Easton St, Tulsa, OK, 74115
CIRCLE CINEMA
10 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK, 74104
STARLITE DRIVE-IN PRESENTED BY MAMA.FILM
3900 S Hydraulic Ave, Wichita, KS, 67216