For movie buffs, Sundance Film Festival is one of the most exciting times of the year, often setting the tone for what else we’ll see in the coming months. 2024’s event kicked off earlier this month, and you’ll be happy to know that Black voices are being amplified behind and in front of the camera. Some of the brand new titles on the line-up already have social media talking; meanwhile, throwbacks playing as a part of Sundance’s 40th-anniversary festivities are reminding us why movies like Pariah and Mississippi Masala are worth revisiting every now and then.

Former Fifth Harmony fans are excited to see what Normani has in store alongside Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis in Freaky Tales. If that wild story doesn’t quite seem your speed, perhaps you’ll want to bring tissues with you for a àma Gloria or Exhibiting Forgiveness, both of which are sure to get you in your feelings. Keep scrolling to read the full list, and let us know if you plan to watch any of our top picks in the comments.

7. Kidnapping Inc. (2024)

IMDb: 8/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 33%

With 2024 being an election year, political headlines are taking over the news cycle and causing discourse around the world. When they apply to real life, government issues can be scary and overwhelming. However, on the big screen, Bruno Mourral uses dark humor in Kidnapping Inc., starring Jasmuel Andri (Doc) and Rolaphton Mercure (Zoe). The thrilling new movie lands our two lead characters in the middle of a political conspiracy after being hired to carry out an abduction in the streets of Port-au-Prince – one of the world’s kidnapping capitals. Despite the chaos and intensity of the story, Doc and Zoe’s buddy-like camaraderie adds some much-needed comic relief to Mourral’s crew of sinister cops, politicians, and assassins.

6. Mississippi Masala (1991)

IMDb: 6.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 64%

One of the many great things about the annual Sundance Film Festival is that it not only puts us onto amazing new releases but also ensures old classics continue to get their flowers. In 2024, Mira Nair’s Mississippi Masala makes a return to center stage following its 32nd birthday on January 17th. The interracial love story is a must-see in Denzel Washington’s expansive filmography. It was shot on location in Kampala, Uganda, and Mississippi, where our lead actor crosses paths with Mina (played by Sarita Choudhury) for the first time. Her upper-class Indian family was forced to flee the tyranny of Idi Amin in 1972 and spent the following decades traveling before settling in America, where racism and other issues rear their ugly heads as Mina’s newfound relationship begins to bloom.

The second female filmmaker to grace our list is Marie Amachoukeli, who poured her heart into her 2023 solo debut, àma Gloria, which previously opened Cannes Critics Week. Sure to strike a chord with every viewers inner child (not to mention its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), the recent release follows six-year-old Parisienne native Cléo (Louise Mauroy-Panzani), who loves spending time in the care of her nanny, Gloria (Ilça Moreno Zego). While it seems nothing could possibly break their bond, when the latter is called back to her family in Cape Verde, she and her young friend are put in a tough place with just one final summer to make memories together.

4. Pariah (2011)

IMDb: 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 82%

Another throwback playing at Sundance as a part of the festival’s 40th Edition Celebration Screenings is 2011’s Pariah. The Aasha Davis-led story was both directed and written by Oscar and Emmy-nominated force Dee Rees, who’s also known for Mudbound (2017). Her powerful debut was first shown at Sundance in 2008 as a short film before returning as a feature three years later, with three grants allowing her to produce the Black lesbian coming-of-age story, which speaks of friendship, love, and loss more profoundly with each watch.

3. Freaky Tales (2024)

IMDb: 8.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 70%

Perhaps one of the most talked about titles on 2024’s festival line-up is Freaky Tales, which recruited a cast full of familiar faces and industry legends to tell its twisted story. We’re still waiting on new music from Normani, but the 27-year-old’s disappearance from the studio is explained by her work in the genre-bending flick, which takes place in 1987 Oakland. “Teen punks defend their turf against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo battles for hip-hop immortality, a weary henchman gets a shot at redemption, and an NBA All-Star settles the score. Basically another day in the Bay,” a synopsis on Sundance’s website teases. Others who you’re sure to recognize on screen include Insecure‘s Jay Ellis, Marvel actress Dominique Thorne, and the late Angus Cloud of Euphoria fame.

2. The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)

IMDb: N/A

Rotten Tomatoes: 50%

It’s unlikely anyone will ever top what the Harry Potter film franchise was able to accomplish during its run, but Kobi Libii is at least trying to keep the magic alive with his comedic, whimsical film. The American Society of Magical Negroes is as adventurous as it sounds, following rising star Justice Smith on his journey to fulfill his purpose of making the lives of white people easier. Using the art of satire, both director and cast remind viewers of the backwardness taking place in our society everyday, and how important it is for the Black community to stand in solidarity while supporting each other.

1. Exhibiting Forgiveness (2024)

IMDb: 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

Our final new and noteworthy watch recommendation from Sundance 2024 is Titus Kaphar’s debut feature, Exhibiting Forgiveness. He may be new to the art of filmmaking, but the director’s well known for his painting talents, which are just one of the themes explored in his emotional project. With André Holland playing Tarrell, he and Kaphar beautifully tell the story of generational trauma, addiction, and gracefully learning how to forgive and forget past transgressions. John Earl Jelks, Andra Dey, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor also appear in the emotional but healing tale.