The 2025 Sundance Film Festival: A Unique Landscape for Independent Cinema
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival presented a distinctive focus that prioritized discovery over commercial viability, marking it as a uniquely mutated affair in the landscape of independent cinema. For Tango Entertainment, a producer and financier known for successes ranging from the Oscar-nominated film Aftersun to the quirky biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, the festival proved significant under the guidance of its head, Lia Buman.
Tango’s Major Triumphs at Sundance
With a trio of films presented at the festival, Tango Entertainment secured the most lucrative deal of the event. The supernatural horror film Together, featuring stars Alison Brie and Dave Franco, was sold to Neon for an impressive $17 million. Additionally, Sorry, Baby, the directorial debut of Eva Victor, garnered high praise, leading to a distribution agreement with A24. Furthermore, Magic Farm, starring Chloe Sevigny, was acquired by Mubi prior to the festival.
Navigating Market Uncertainties: Tango’s Strategic Move
In an era where independent filmmakers face tightening market conditions, Tango Entertainment’s six-member team remains undaunted. They are set to finance and produce five new features throughout 2024. This lineup includes Together and Sorry, Baby, along with the soon-to-be-released The History of Sound, a historical romance starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, and Wicker, featuring Olivia Coleman, which is currently in post-production. A fifth project is yet to be unveiled.
Reflecting on the Indie Film Landscape
Ahead of the SXSW festival, where Together will make its second screening appearance, Buman reflects on the challenges of genre films and the value of collaborating with first-time directors.
The Positive Side of Indie Filmmaking Today
“What’s heartening is that we have companies like Neon, IFC, A24, and Mubi. They are in a great place, company wise.”
As Buman notes, these companies are effectively attuned to audience preferences, confidently producing engaging genre films and executing innovative marketing strategies.
Building on Strategic Opportunities
“(Laughs) There were no nerves. I had a plan,” Buman states, elaborating on Tango’s proactive strategy during a lull in production caused by recent strikes. The company’s established reputation for partnering with filmmakers and a willingness to embrace risk provided fertile ground for expanding their independent film portfolio.
Embracing First-Time Directors
“With a first timer, for us, the budgets tend to be smaller and there’s a lot of weight that is put on producers to be incredible partners and shepherds.”
Buman emphasizes that collaborating with first-time directors has its challenges, including extra communication and patience. However, these filmmakers often bring fresh, unique narratives that can resonate strongly with audiences.
The Genre Film Landscape: Risks and Rewards
While genre films are currently performing well at the specialty box office, Buman warns against complacency. “You can’t take the audience for granted. You still have to respect it and push the boundaries.” She suggests that creating noteworthy genre films involves a level of calculated risk-taking, especially in attracting new filmmakers.
Challenges Facing Independent Filmmaking
“One thing it’s fighting against is just the cost of making a film in the States.”
Buman explains that as the financial landscape shifts, filmmakers still grapple with balancing production costs and profitability—a crucial element for sustaining a healthy film ecosystem.
Lessons Learned From a Complex Year
“I’ve learned to trust my gut,” Buman says, reinforcing the importance of calculated risks and highlighting the massive potential that exists for innovative storytelling. She encourages filmmakers to pursue compelling narratives that will stand out in an evolving market.
For further details on Tango Entertainment and the remarkable achievements at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, visit Hollywood Reporter.