Park City, UT - As the countdown to the 2026 Sundance Film Festival begins, Park City Film is set to captivate audiences with a unique lineup of screenings at the Park City Library's Jim Santy Auditorium. This weekend, from Thursday through Saturday, the nonprofit arthouse cinema will showcase Kleber Mendonça Filho's acclaimed film "The Secret Agent" (O Agente Secreto), a poignant story that has garnered significant recognition on the international film circuit. Executive Director Katharine Wang announced the change in programming, noting that instead of the usual single film schedule, Park City Film will present three consecutive showings of "The Secret Agent," beginning on Thursday at 7 p.m. and continuing through Saturday. Wang highlighted the film's recent accolades, which include two Golden Globe Awards for Best Non-English Film and Best Actor for Wagner Moura's gripping portrayal of the protagonist, Marcelo. "The Secret Agent" delves into the life of Marcelo, a technology expert, professor, and political dissident fleeing Brazil’s military dictatorship. The film, which was the most awarded entry at the Cannes Film Festival last summer, has also been shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Wang shared her excitement about the film's depth and storytelling style, which incorporates elements of magical realism often found in South American narratives. "It is very intense, and it has the magic realism that I love in that storytelling style that is so specific in South America," she stated. "There are some sideroads the film takes you on that are hilarious and unexpected, which is why it has received so many different awards." Following the screenings of "The Secret Agent," audiences can look forward to a special free showing of the documentary "Holding Liat" on Sunday at 6 p.m. This powerful film, directed by Brandon Kramer, tells the harrowing story of Yehuda and Chaya Beinin, parents of Israeli-American Liat Beinin Atzili. Liat and her husband Aviv were abducted by Hamas during their kibbutz on October 7, 2023, amidst a wave of violence that resulted in numerous hostages taken that day. The film provides an intimate look at the family's struggle as they lobby the U.S. government for their daughter's release. Wang emphasized the film's relevance, noting the filmmakers' attempts to navigate the complex political landscape surrounding the abduction while focusing on the human elements of the story. "The filmmakers try to represent the family with empathy and care and separate the political situation from the people involved," she remarked. Additionally, she pointed out that the Kramers—Brandon and his brother Lance, who is the producer—are related to the Beinin family, enhancing the film's emotional impact. "Holding Liat" has also made waves on the festival circuit, winning the 2025 Berlinale Documentary Film Award and securing a spot on the shortlist for the 2026 Academy Award for Documentary Feature Film. Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Lance Kramer, adding a personal touch to the experience. "Seeing a film and experiencing a film on the big screen is powerful, but to be able to talk with someone who is involved with the film brings in such a personal connection," Wang explained. Park City Film has a long-standing tradition of engaging with the Sundance Film Festival, which will take place from January 22 to February 1, 2026. During the festival, Park City Film volunteers will be present at the Jim Santy Auditorium to sell concessions, a significant fundraising effort for the organization. Wang revealed that this year marks the last time they will engage in this way as the Sundance Film Festival is set to move to Boulder, Colorado, next year. Despite the challenges, Wang and her board of directors are actively seeking new opportunities to sustain the nonprofit. Recently, they received approval to increase their screening cap at the Santy Auditorium to 200 screenings per year, which opens the door for summer programming that has been absent in previous years. "We’re planning on what we will do during the summer months. Will we do regular weekend film screenings, which we do now, or will we screen shorter, more curated film collections?" she pondered. Wang expressed her gratitude towards the community's support, noting that patrons and funders have stepped forward with offers of assistance. "I have to say people—film patrons, our funders, people who live in the community and are engaged in the film industry—have been very generous," she remarked. For those interested in attending the screenings this weekend, tickets for "The Secret Agent" are priced at $8 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. The film will be shown at the Park City Library’s Jim Santy Auditorium, located at 1255 Park Ave. Meanwhile, the screening of "Holding Liat" is free of charge, allowing the community to engage with this vital and urgent narrative. **Screening Details:** - **"The Secret Agent"**: Thursday to Saturday at 7 p.m., Tickets: $8 for adults, $7 for students/seniors. - **"Holding Liat"**: Sunday at 6 p.m., Free admission. - **Location**: Park City Library’s Jim Santy Auditorium, 1255 Park Ave. - **Website**: [parkcityfilm.org](http://parkcityfilm.org)