MUMBAI: The year has got off to a flying start for British filmmakers with the Sundance Film Festival screening 23 British films, including nine UK Film Council Lottery-funded films. Second in number only to US domestic product, British talent has been overwhelmingly endorsed by Sundance.
 
The selection includes seven features, four feature documentaries and 12 short films, a variety reflecting the breath of British filmmaking creativity working in film.
 
Eight of the British feature films will have their world premiere at the prestigious independent film festival, with award-winning playwright Martin McDonough’s debut feature film In Bruges, starring Ralph Fiennes, Colin Farrell, and Brendan Gleeson, selected as the opening night film on 17 January.
 
Sundance Film Festival director Geoffrey Gilmore says, “The excellence of the British filmmakers at this year’s Sundance Film Festival highlights the growing role of the festival as a showcase for international cinema in the United States . With more films represented in the world documentary competition than any other country, the British filmmakers have clearly broken through to the United States audiences, and they exemplify the possibilities for other countries seeking to bring international cinema to the United States .”
 
Supported by the UK film Council’s New Cinema and Premiere Funds, the Lottery-funded feature films include The Escapist, A Complete History of My Sexual Failures, Donkey Punch and Man on Wire.
 
Premiere Fund head Sally Caplan says, “For the New Cinema Fund it is an exciting time because we are working with both emerging talent and with distinguished non-mainstream filmmakers, and witnessing immense flair at all levels. With A Complete History of My Sexual Failures and Donkey Punch, Warp X has achieved a Sundance double, working with extremely gifted first-time feature film directors Chris Waitt and Olly Blackburn. With its initial two films, Warp X has immediately established itself as the industry leader in low budget feature films made for a worldwide audience.”