The 2021 Sundance Film Festival has yet to kick off and we’re already getting plenty of news about the renowned film festival. Dogwoof, the international sales outfit, recently announced the acquisition of two feature documentaries set to premiere in Park City (or, this year, virtually).
Ailey, directed by Jamila Wignot, is an immersive look into the life of the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey, founder of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Full of archive footage and his signature groundbreaking choreography, the documentary offers a glimpse at the enigmatic man who created a language of dance all his own. “It’s about time Alvin Ailey and his American Dance Theater get the recognition they so richly deserve,” said Dogwoof’s Oli Harbottle, “and Jamila has delivered a fantastic portrait of both the man and his mission to appeal to fans of dance worldwide.” The film makes its Sundance debut on Saturday, January 30 at 10am MT.
Captains of Zaatari, the directorial debut of Ali El Arabi, follows two best friends, Mahmoud and Fawzi, living in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan and dreaming of becoming professional soccer players. Undeterred by their circumstances, they train hard everyday and when a world-renowned sports academy visits, they finally have a chance to make their dreams come true.
The film was co-produced by Aya Dowara, Amjad Abu Alala and Michael Henrichs. “Captains of Zaatari is a complete delight, on the surface a refugee story but beyond that an incredibly tender coming-of-age tale which shows how football can offer opportunities of a better life for so many around the world,” said Harbottle.
Along with Ailey and Captains of Zaatari, Dogwoof now has four features and two series debuting at Sundance. Sabaya and Playing with Sharks will compete in the World Documentary section while Philly D.A. is in the Premieres section and Seeds of Deceit in Indie Series.
