At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker Gregory Barnes unveiled his latest short film, "Together Forever," offering a rare glimpse into the experiences of Latter-day Saints (LDS) as they navigate the complexities of love and intimacy. The film, which screens as part of the Short Film Program 2, delves into the often-taboo subject of wedding nights within a faith that emphasizes purity and abstinence before marriage. Barnes, who grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, faced the unique challenges of being one of the few members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his community. His father served as the ward bishop, and his best friend's mother held the position of Relief Society president, placing him in a situation ripe for the whispers and tales that shaped his storytelling. "Growing up, I heard so many outlandish stories about wedding nights from those in the church, which became the foundation for 'Together Forever,'" he explained, highlighting how personal experiences and community dynamics influenced his work. The film, produced by Neon in collaboration with Kodak as part of a 2024 short film contest, follows a Latter-day Saint couple on their honeymoon, humorously portraying their struggles during an awkward first night together. "To some degree, your first time is always going to be sloppy, but for Mormons, it’s extreme," Barnes remarked. He elaborated on the challenges faced by couples who have often received little sexual education due to the religious emphasis on chastity and purity. "When you’re finally getting at it, there’s no point of reference, because it’s all taboo until it’s not," he said, capturing the awkwardness and confusion that can accompany such intimate moments. Describing his film as a comedy, albeit a dry one, Barnes emphasizes that his goal is not to mock the culture but to present it with authenticity and heart. "I’m not interested in 'South Park' levels of depictions of Mormonism. The punchline isn’t ever that they’re Mormon; that’s just the given circumstances," he stated, aiming to create relatable characters that resonate with audiences regardless of their background. Barnes’ journey into filmmaking began with a traditional LDS upbringing—serving a two-year mission in Argentina, marrying his college sweetheart, and attending Brigham Young University’s film program. However, he felt constrained by the expectations to portray his faith in a strictly positive light. It wasn't until pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at New York University that he began to explore the complexities of his upbringing in a more nuanced way. His first film addressing church themes, "The Touch of the Master’s Hand," examined a missionary's struggle with pornography addiction, inspired by the teachings of former church president Gordon B. Hinckley. Both "Together Forever" and "The Touch of the Master’s Hand" reflect a specific era in LDS culture, often drawing on Hinckley's talks to frame the narratives. "I think he’s just got an incredible cadence, and his talks are really amazing," Barnes noted, explaining how he incorporates church language into his scripts to capture the essence of the culture he experienced. Despite stepping away from active church membership, Barnes embraces his identity as a Mormon and acknowledges the rich storytelling potential of his background. "I feel very grateful that I have this culture to explore and mine. I find the stories there to be very human and tender," he remarked, emphasizing the depth of emotion and experience within the LDS community. Barnes' previous short film received critical acclaim at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, winning the Short Film Jury Award in the U.S. Fiction category. As he prepares for the debut of "Together Forever," he expresses both excitement and apprehension about audience reactions. While he hopes the film will resonate with current and former church members, he acknowledges that its candid portrayal of intimacy may provoke mixed responses. Scheduled to premiere on January 24 at 3:15 p.m. at The Yarrow Theatre, "Together Forever" will also have additional screenings on January 28 and 29 at Megaplex Redstone 3, and January 30 at Holiday Village Cinemas 2. For those unable to attend in person, an online screening will be available from January 29 to February 1. Tickets for the festival can be reserved through the Sundance website, providing an opportunity for audiences to engage with this unique exploration of Latter-day Saint life and love. As the Sundance Film Festival continues to showcase diverse narratives, Barnes' work exemplifies the power of film to challenge cultural norms and bring untold stories to light, fostering understanding and dialogue around the complexities of faith and human connection.