South SFV Today

In a notable achievement for Stanford University's School of Humanities and Sciences, five documentaries with ties to the institution have been selected for this year's Sundance Film Festival. The festival, which takes place annually in Park City, Utah, is running from January 23 to February 2.

The selection highlights the growing success of Stanford's Master of Fine Arts program in documentary film and video within the Department of Art and Art History. Program director Srđan Keča remarked on the significance of this recognition: “Our program encourages students to become independent filmmakers while also integrating them into a community of passionate storytellers.” He added that the success at Sundance reflects both individual talent and a collaborative ethos.

Among the chosen films are "Death Education," directed by Yuxuan Ethan Wu, which examines cultural attitudes toward mortality through a high school class in China; "Entre le Feu et le Clair de Lune" by Dominic Yarabe, exploring childhood memories of war in Côte d’Ivoire; and "Hold Me Close," co-directed by Aurora Brachman, focusing on two Queer Black womxn. These works were selected for Sundance’s nonfiction short films category.

Faculty members Natalia Almada, Jamie Meltzer, and Srđan Keča have played pivotal roles in nurturing these filmmakers. Yarabe expressed gratitude for their support: “The program’s faculty members gave me the space, freedom, and constant support to creatively explore.”

Two additional features focus on influential women: "Life After," directed by Reid Davenport about a disabled woman who inspired a right-to-die movement; and "Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore," examining the career of actor Marlee Matlin. Both films are competing in the U.S. documentary category.

Jamie Meltzer highlighted the community aspect of Stanford's program: “Community is also a big part of the program; students regularly collaborate with and support one another’s work.”

Stanford's MFA program has been dedicated solely to documentary filmmaking since its inception in the early 1960s. Its students have earned more Student Academy Awards than any other university's documentary category entrants.

Natalia Almada noted that what unites these filmmakers is their high standard and willingness to take risks: “What I think is common to the students and their work is a high standard...and a generosity of spirit.”

While distribution plans for these films remain undecided post-Sundance screenings, those interested can view student work at screenings held each spring and fall quarter at Stanford.

For further information or media inquiries, contact Marijane Leonard at marijane.leonard@stanford.edu.