Sundance founder Robert Redford promised that audiences “can expect a 2025 program that showcases varied and vibrant filmmaking globally.” Running through February 2, the lineup includes more than 85 features and six episodic projects set to screen in Park City, Salt Lake City and online.

Given that Oscars season is in full swing, you may currently be focusing on movies that came out last year — perhaps you’re playing the Challengers soundtrack to mourn its shutout, or hiring an Etsy witch to try to affect the chances of controversial front-runner Emilia Pérez — but allow yourself to take a break and redirect your energy to speculating about the future.

No one quite knew what to expect from this year’s Sundance Film Festival, which came to the mountains of Utah just two weeks after wildfires swept through Los Angeles. Some festival staff had lost their homes,