A record-setting seven films from Scotland will be showcased at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, scheduled to take place from January 22 to February 1, 2026, in Park City, Utah. This year’s selection highlights the growing talent within Scotland’s film industry, with five of the films supported by Screen Scotland.
Among the standout selections is The Incomer, directed by Edinburgh-based Louis Paxton, which has been chosen as the opening night film in the Next category. This segment of the festival is dedicated to innovative, low-budget independent films that challenge conventional storytelling. Paxton’s film, set on a Scottish island, follows two siblings as they strive to keep their home free from “incomers.” Paxton expressed his excitement, stating, “The Incomer has been a joy to bring to life alongside an immensely talented team. I am thrilled to share it with US audiences at Sundance.”
In addition to The Incomer, Olive Nwosu’s film, Lady, produced by Glasgow-based Alex Polunin, will be featured in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. This category is known for presenting compelling narratives from across the globe.
Scottish documentaries will also take a prominent role at the festival, with Felipe Bustos Sierra’s Everybody to Kenmure Street and Birds of War, produced by Sonja Henrici, included in the World Documentary Competition. Everybody to Kenmure Street portrays a Home Office dawn raid that ignites a civil resistance movement in Glasgow. Producer Ciara Barry remarked on the film’s significance, stating, “This film is deeply personal to us, as residents of the Glasgow community where the film is set, and participants of the protest on the day.”
The special screenings section will feature Mark Cousins’ The Story of Documentary, which examines the evolution of documentary filmmaking from its inception to the present day, produced by John Archer. Two additional titles, Filipiñana, produced by Alex Polunin, and Extra Geography, co-produced by Wendy Griffin, also highlight Scotland’s vibrant production landscape.
Isabel Davis, executive director of Screen Scotland, expressed pride in the festival’s recognition of Scottish talent. “Every one of these titles is entertaining, urgent, and creatively uncompromising,” she stated. “Supporting original storytelling is a core part of Screen Scotland’s strategy, and this selection showcases not only the vision of our filmmakers but also the breadth of talent across Scotland’s screen sector.”
Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of this achievement. “I am really pleased to see these films selected for the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing the incredible breadth of creativity in Scotland,” he said. The Scottish Government remains committed to fostering a robust screen sector, providing necessary funding, facilities, and support to help local projects thrive on the international stage.
As anticipation builds for the festival, the selection of these seven films serves as a testament to the creativity and resilience of Scotland’s filmmakers. The Sundance Film Festival continues to be a vital platform for showcasing diverse voices and stories from around the world.
