The Sundance Institute will spotlight work at the dynamic crossroads of film, art, and technology with the New Frontier selections for the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, announced today, the festival reported. This curated collection of cutting-edge independent and experimental media works are by creators who are pushing artistic innovation across new mediums. Programmers assembled a global slate of work from a mix of invitations and submissions to an open call for virtual reality (VR) work earlier this year. Yet again, New Frontier's footprint at the festival has evolved, responding to increased demand and the needs of showcased artists. This year, New Frontier programming encompasses two venues: New Frontier at The Ray and New Frontier Central, each of which will play host to a wide variety of media installations, a VR cinema and panel discussions. New Frontier Central, a new venue located near The Ray, at 950 Iron Horse Drive, will additionally feature lounge space for festival goers to meet and relax before and after experiencing the New Frontier programme. Robert Redford, president and founder of the Sundance Institute, said, "For over a decade, New Frontier has pushed the boundaries of the possible, illuminating the potential of technology and storytelling. These independent cross-media artists create new realities for, and with, their work— and the results inspire." Shari Frilot, chief curator, New Frontier, said "This year's New Frontier is an explosion of experimentation, bearing a motherload of innovative custom tech that take us higher. Bio digital loops are terraforming and transmogrifying our world. The dynamics of bio digital looping – digital platforms that begin and end by connecting with a human being who connects to that same platform – are being taken on by this year's artists with gusto, as they pull visceral focus on what it means to be human on this transforming terrain." Of the projects announced, 48% are directed or led by one or more women, 39% were directed or led by one or more artist of colour, and 9% by one or more people who identify as LGBTQIA. Six were supported by Sundance Institute in development, whether through direct granting or residency Labs. The 33 projects announced today include work from 10 countries.
