Kickstarter Films Premiering at Sundance 2025

This year, at the 41st Sundance Film Festival, Kickstarter creators are once again taking center stage, with two standout films debuting on the silver screen. The Things We Keep by Joanna Fernandez and Such Good Friends by Bri Klaproth. Both taking leaps from crowdfunding campaigns in 2023 to coveted slots in the Short Film Program. Their stories underscore the power of community-powered dreams and continuing to put your ideas into action post-campaign.

The Sundance Spectacle

Before we dive into the success stories, let's set the scene. The 2025 Sundance Film Festival kicks off on January 23rd and will run through February 2nd, promising 11 days of cinematic delights. With 88 feature films and 57 short films from around the globe, this year's lineup is a smorgasbord of creativity that's sure to satisfy even the most discerning film palates. These shorts were selected from a pool of 11,153 submissions, including 4,909 from the U.S. and 6,244 international entries. The selected films represent work from 28 countries and territories. These short films will be screened as part of the Short Film Programs presented by Vimeo, featuring a mix of fiction, nonfiction, and animated titles from both U.S. and international filmmakers

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The Things We Keep: A Story of Memories and Connection

Directed by Joanna Fernandez, The Things We Keep follows Kate, who returns to her family home to sort through her estranged mother’s belongings. As she navigates the daunting task of clearing the clutter of her mother's hoarded possessions, Kate uncovers the deeper, more insidious implications of her mother’s illness that linger within the walls of the house. The film poignantly explores themes of memory, neglect, and the complexities of familial relationships.

Such Good Friends: A Hilarious and Heartfelt Tale of Friendship

Bri Klaproth’s Such Good Friends is a short film with a big heart. This laugh-out-loud comedy dives into the messy, beautiful complexities of friendship, capturing moments that are equal parts awkward, endearing, and deeply relatable. After ending a toxic friendship, a people pleaser finds herself falling into old patterns with her former best friend’s family. The film navigates the fine line between loyalty and self-discovery, showcasing how the bonds of friendship can be both a source of comfort and a path to personal growth.

The Power of Crowdfunding in Film

Now, you might be wondering, "Why Kickstarter? Can't these filmmakers just go the traditional route?" Well, my friend, that's where the magic of crowdfunding comes in. Kickstarter isn't just a funding platform; it's a launchpad for creativity, a testing ground for ideas, and a community of film enthusiasts eager to be part of the next big thing.

Let's break it down:

1. Creative Freedom: When filmmakers use Kickstarter, they retain control over their vision. No studio execs demanding script changes or insisting on that one actor who's "so hot right now."
2. Built-in Audience: Successful campaigns create a ready-made fan base eager to see the final product. It's like having your own cheer squad before you even step on the field.
3. Proof of Concept: A successful Kickstarter campaign shows there's an audience for your idea. It's like a vote of confidence from the movie-going public.
4. Community Building: Crowdfunding creates a sense of investment (both literal and emotional) in a project's success. Backers become part of the journey, not just passive viewers.

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What's Next?

As the curtain rises on Sundance 2025, we're not just celebrating the films that made it this year. We're looking ahead to the next wave of indie filmmakers who might be sketching out their ideas right now, wondering if they have what it takes to make it to the big leagues.

To those creators, we say: dream big. Your Sundance moment might be just a campaign away. And to all the backers out there: keep supporting the projects that excite you. You never know – that $20 pledge might just be your ticket to saying "I knew them when..." at the next big film premiere.

And who knows? Maybe next year, we'll be writing about your Kickstarter success story making waves at Sundance. Now, wouldn't that be a plot twist worth watching?