As the 2026 Sundance Film Festival unfolds, attendees are not just treated to screenings of groundbreaking films but are also granted an exclusive glimpse into the creative processes behind them through the festival's 'Beyond Film' programming. This initiative, curated by Ania Trzebiatowska, aims to foster connections between audiences and filmmakers, artists, and other creatives, enhancing the overall experience of the festival. The 'Beyond Film' sessions provide a platform for open discussions and thoughtful insights, allowing festivalgoers to engage directly with the talent behind the films. Trzebiatowska, who took charge of the curation three years ago, emphasizes the importance of these interactions. "The core idea of Beyond Film is to connect our community with not just the people you would normally know about the festival, but to bring in new audiences to the festival," she said. This year, discussions will feature a diverse range of personalities, including acclaimed filmmakers Ava DuVernay and Barbara Kopple, author Salman Rushdie, tennis legend Billie Jean King, and 'Visitations' podcasters Elijah Wood and Daniel Noah. The Cinema Cafe at the Filmmaker Lodge, located on 550 Main St., serves as the primary venue for these discussions. Trzebiatowska describes the setting as akin to being in someone's living room, fostering an intimate atmosphere where attendees can choose to engage or simply listen. "Being at a festival can be very alienating because so much happens at the festival where people are navigating with screenings and some additional events. So, this is a shared space where festivalgoers can listen to very smart people talk about their films and their ideas," she explained. This year’s lineup is particularly noteworthy, with each discussion meticulously scheduled to accommodate the busy agendas of high-profile participants. Trzebiatowska notes, "It’s quite a complex process because we always want to make sure we have a diverse group of voices from the film program. We want to make sure we support those films and filmmakers and also have interesting conversations around the themes that emerge in the process." The festival's opening conversation, set for January 23, will feature DuVernay and Kopple discussing their respective works and inspirations. This pairing arose organically as Kopple’s classic film, 'Harlan County, USA,' holds a special place in DuVernay’s cinematic journey. Trzebiatowska remarked, "These are two powerhouse filmmakers who have so much to contribute. So to have them in one room to talk about what they do and what they find inspiring is what I find exciting." Another significant highlight of this year’s program is the participation of Salman Rushdie. The author, who is the subject of Alex Gibney’s documentary, 'Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie,' presents a unique opportunity for dialogue about the impact of storytelling and personal experience. Trzebiatowska expressed her admiration for Rushdie, saying, "I have so much respect for him as an author and human being. It was a bit intimidating to ask him, but I thought the worst that could happen was that he would say no." Rushdie's presence at the festival is particularly poignant, as he has never attended Sundance before. For Trzebiatowska, his participation is not only meaningful for the audience but also represents an act of resilience in the face of adversity. She stated, "I think doing this will be very meaningful for him. And I really think our audience at the Filmmaker Lodge is the exact audience who will appreciate this." This year's 'Power of Story' theme reflects on legacy, especially in light of the passing of Sundance Institute founder Robert Redford last autumn. Trzebiatowska hopes to explore how individuals process legacy and the choices they make throughout their lives. "The world is in a very particular place right now, and I feel we’ve all been processing a lot of grief. So that is one way to approach legacy — how do you process what happens and what people leave behind as well," she said. In addition to the Cinema Cafe discussions, various partner events will take place throughout the festival. These gatherings provide additional perspectives on the industry, highlighting emerging trends and challenges. Trzebiatowska remarked, "It’s so interesting to see and hear what our partners are thinking about and what they are processing in what may be good for the industry." The 'Beyond Film' programming will culminate on January 30 with a ticketed event titled 'Everyone Has a Story: Four Decades of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.' This event aims to encapsulate the festival's legacy and significance over the years and invites attendees to share their personal stories related to Sundance. Trzebiatowska concluded, "While it was fun to put together, I think it will be more fun for people to witness." For more information about the 2026 Sundance Film Festival’s 'Beyond Film' programming, visit festival.sundance.org/program/beyond-films. For details on the festival’s Partner Event programming, visit festival.sundance.org/program/partner-events.