The Sundance Institute announced two new documentaries that will premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival later this month and both center on controversial subjects.
Dan Reed’s “Leaving Neverland” is listed as a Special Event and will tackle the story of two men who claim they were sexually abused by Michael Jackson as children. The official synopsis notes, “At the height of his stardom Michael Jackson began long-running relationships with two boys, aged 7 and 10, and their families. Now in their 30s, they tell the story of how they were sexually abused by Jackson, and how they came to terms with it years later.” Reed is a British filmmaker who was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the 2009 documentary “Terror in Mumbai.”
The other addition is “The Brink” from director Alison Klayman and producer Marie Therese Guirgis which tackles the post-administration life of the notorious Steve Bannon. The festival’s official synopsis describes it as follows: “Now unconstrained by an official White House post, Steve Bannon is free to peddle influence as a perceived kingmaker with a direct line to the President. After anointing himself leader of the ‘populist movement,’ he travels around the U.S. and the world spreading his hard-line anti-immigration message.” It’s unclear if Klayman and Guirgis secured Bannon’s involvement for the documentary. He already participated in Errol Morris’ “American Dharma” which debuted at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival to mixed reviews.
“Leaving Neverland” will debut at 9 AM at The Egyptian theater on Friday, Jan 25. “The Brink” will debut on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 3 PM at the Park City Library.
The 2019 Sundance Film Festival will run from Jan 24 through Feb. 4 in Park City, Utah.