The seven Scottish films selected for Sundance in record-breaking year

The films, five of which are backed by Screen Scotland, will be screened at the festival in Park City, Utah in January.

Edinburgh-based Louis Paxton’s The Incomer has been named as the opening night film of the Next category, which showcases innovative, low-budget, independent films that push boundaries, while Olive Nwosu’s Lady produced by Glasgow-based Alex Polunin will be screened as part of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

Meanwhile, both Felipe Bustos Sierra’s Everybody to Kenmure Street, produced by Ciara Barry, and Birds of War, produced by Sonja Henrici, have been accepted as part of the World Documentary Competition.

Everybody to Kenmure Street, the story of a Home Office dawn raid which sparks an act of civil resistance, is set in Glasgow.

Ms Barry said: “Everybody to Kenmure Street is a hopeful film that celebrates the power of community. In an increasingly divided world where many feel disenfranchised, it allows us to believe in our collective agency to enact change.

“This film is deeply personal to us, as residents of the Glasgow community where the film is set, and participants of the protest on the day, we are excited to share this film with international audiences and are proud to celebrate its message.”

In the special screenings strand, Mark Cousin’s The Story of Documentary, which explores the documentary form from the dawn of cinema to the present day and produced by John Archer, will be shown.

Two further titles in selection are also produced or co-produced by Scotland-based producing talent: Filipiñana produced by Alex Polunin; and Extra Geography co-produced by Wendy Griffin.

The Incomer, which was filmed on location in Caithness and is set on a Scottish island, tells the story of two siblings trying to keep their island free of “incomers”.

Mr Paxton said: "The Incomer has been a joy to bring to life alongside an immensely talented team. Developing my debut feature with the support of Screen Scotland has been a pleasure from start to finish.

“I’m so proud to have made a Scottish comedy, steeped in our history and humour, crafted for a universal audience. I am thrilled to share it with US audiences at Sundance Film Festival 2026."

Isabel Davis, executive director of Screen Scotland, said: “Every one of these titles is entertaining, urgent and creatively uncompromising. It’s deeply rewarding to see Scotland’s creative achievements reflected in Sundance’s programme. Supporting original storytelling — from early development through to established careers — is a core part of Screen Scotland’s strategy.

"This selection showcases not only the vision of our filmmakers, but the breadth of talent and commitment across Scotland’s screen sector. Congratulations to all the teams heading to Park City — we look forward to what comes next.”

Culture secretary Angus Robertson said: “I am really pleased to see these films be selected for the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing the incredible breadth of creativity in Scotland. The Scottish Government is committed to building on the exceptional growth of Scotland’s screen sector.

"The funding, facilities, talent, crew, and specialist support available in Scotland mean that an ever-increasing number of, hugely exciting and ambitious domestically originated projects, such as these, are able to take shape and succeed on the global stage.”

The Sundance film festival will take place from January 22 to February 1.