Eugene Hernandez, a true veteran of the American independent film scene, has reached the pinnacle of his career as he assumes the role of director at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. With decades of experience, Hernandez’s journey has taken him from journalist to nonprofit executive, co-founder of IndieWire, and leader of Film at Lincoln Center. Now, he stands at the apex of the independent film world, ready to take on the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival, which kicks off on January 18.
Hernandez’s passion for film began many years ago when he first attended the festival in Park City, Utah. He recalls the moment when he watched Robert Rodriguez’s “El Mariachi” in 1993, and now, as the director of Sundance, he feels that it has come full circle. When Hernandez received the news of his appointment from Sundance CEO Joana Vicente, he was moved to tears.
Sundance has always been known for its ability to shine a spotlight on new talent, and this year was no exception, with a record-breaking 17,000 submissions. Hernandez, along with a team of dedicated programmers, including the esteemed director of programming, Kim Yutani, watched every single submission. Hernandez’s priority is to ensure that Sundance remains a place of discovery in an ever-changing landscape for movies. He aims to honor the democratic process designed by Kim and the team while also bringing an openness and curiosity to the festival.
In December, Hernandez unveiled his inaugural lineup, which showcases a mix of established talent and emerging filmmakers. A-list names such as Kristen Stewart, Pedro Pascal, Kieran Culkin, and Mary J. Blige are attending with their projects, while veterans like Steven Soderbergh and Richard Linklater return to the festival. Filmmaker Ira Sachs, known for his Sundance breakout “Passages,” praises Hernandez’s ability to make people feel cared for and seen. According to Sachs, Hernandez possesses a unique blend of industry knowledge and an eye for quality content.
Hernandez is not afraid to take risks, and this year, Sundance will embrace the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the festival. The idea of artists collaborating with AI has been a hotly debated topic, particularly during the 2023 labor strikes in Hollywood. However, Hernandez sees this as an opportunity for artists to explore new possibilities in storytelling. Films like Gary Hustwit’s “Eno,” which uses generative AI for visuals, and Rashad Newsome’s “Being (the Digital Griot),” which incorporates datasets from Black theorists, poets, and activists, will showcase how AI can inform and alter storytelling.
Sundance also made changes in response to feedback from the industry. After last year’s virtual program, where potential buyers could screen movies from their laptops instead of attending in person, the festival decided to distinguish between in-person and online screenings. Films will now be made available for digital viewing nearly a week after the event begins, ensuring each film gets a chance to make a big first impression.
Eugene Hernandez, with his wealth of experience and passion for film, is ready to lead Sundance into a new era. As he embraces the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, he remains committed to the festival’s core mission of championing emerging talent and supporting groundbreaking storytelling.
