Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

9 Gift Ideas for Indie-Film Buffs this Holiday Season

08/12/2022

By Stephanie Ornelas

The holiday season is here which means it's time to start checking off your gift list. Naturally, you might have one or several indie-film admirers to shop for this year. Lucky for you, we've got plenty of unique, classic, and useful gift ideas for that cinephile you hold dear to your heart.

From tickets to the 2023 Sundance Film Festival (in-person or online) to vintage Fest posters and modern streetwear, each of these ideas will suit even the most dedicated indie-film enthusiast. Purchase one of these 10 gifts so they can celebrate independent storytelling and the season of Sundance:

Tickets to the 2023 Sundance Film Festival

The 2023 Sundance Film Festival is returning to in-person screenings and will continue to offer an online experience for at-home audiences. This provides you with plenty of gift options for that indie-film lover on your list. From packages exclusively for Utah residents to discounted ticketing options for younger viewers, Festivalgoers can create an experience that's best for them. Whether they want to attend the Festival in person or watch from home, there's no cooler gift for a cinephile than to see groundbreaking films before the rest of the world. View all ticketing options for the 2023 Sundance Film Festival here.

Sundance Film Festival Workwear Jacket

For that film buff who's looking for a new go-to jacket - this one's for them. Adorned with the 2023 Sundance Film Festival logo, our workwear jacket is perfect for just about anyone who's a night owl, an early bird, or a resident of Utah in the winter. Get them this cozy jacket and throw a single-film ticket in the pocket for the perfect gift!

2023 Festival Spotlight Socks

A good pair of socks is not just a practical gift, it's also extremely thoughtful when you come across the right pair. Our colorful Spotlight Socks are perfect for those days spent inside binging your favorite films. Get a pair for the whole family or match it with one of our Big Screen Sweatshirts for a gift your cinephile friends will cherish forever.

Sundance Institute Membership

On the set of Hasan Hadi's The President's Cake.'

Give the year-round gift of Sundance to a true indie-film admirer this holiday season. With a Sundance Institute membership, they'll join our community and help creators of independent film thrive. Even the biggest fans of independent cinema might not know that the creators of some of their favorite films got support early on in their careers from Sundance Institute through grants, Labs, and other programs. For example, directors Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water), Sian Heder (CODA), and Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) all received support for their earlier projects.

Plus, members receive early access to single film ticket pre-sales, 20% off Festival merchandise, and so much more. Sundance Institute members play an important role in helping emerging filmmakers bring their stories to life. It's a truly special gift for those who appreciate independent cinema.

Sundance 2023 Stanley Water Bottle

The emotional support water bottle is trending all over social media right now. It's all about finding the perfect bottle that you won't want to leave the house without. If the movie buff in your life is missing this essential item, gift them a 2023 Sundance water bottle made by Stanley that's perfect for travel and everyday use. Its sleek design will have them emotionally attached for years to come.

Films that Screened at the Sundance Film Festival or are Supported by Sundance Institute

A black kite being sheltered by a New Delhi family stares curiously into the camera. The Indian family has made it a lifelong project to rescue and protect the raptors in the smog-filled skies above their city. Before you rush out to buy gift cards at your local theater chain, consider taking a loved one to see this recent award-winning film that premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. All That Breathes is currently screening across the U.S. and the UK throughout December. If you have a friend or family member who loves documentaries and they live in one of these areas, this would be a perfect gift for them! The film documents a pair of brothers in Delhi who devote countless hours to restoring the health of ailing black kite birds that are essential to their city's ecosystem. It was recently awarded Best Documentary Feature at the 2022 Gotham Awards and director Shaunak Sen also won the L' il d'or Golden Eye documentary award for this film at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

Perhaps your friend or relative prefers to stay home and watch their movies. If that's the case, get them a Blu-ray or digital edition of Aftersun, currently available to buy on Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. This moving film is about a girl reminiscing on a holiday to Turkey taken with her estranged father 20 years ago. Like Shaunak Sen (All That Breathes), Charlotte Wells received direct support from Sundance Institute to help bring her project to life. In 2020, she participated in the Institute's Screenwriters Lab and Directors Lab. Her film went on screen at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival where it received a Special Jury award and it recently won Best Feature Film at the 2022 Gotham Awards.
LINK: https://www.sundance.org/blogs/9-gift-ideas-for-indie-film-buffs-this-...
See more stories from sundance

More from Sundance Institute

15/07/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Sam Feder, the Filmmaker Behind Heightened Scrutiny

By Lucy Spicer One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival...

12/07/2025

Retracing Ryan Coogler's Sundance Institute Journey

Ryan Coogler accepting the 2013 Vanguard Award. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez. Editor's Note: In honor of Fruitvale Station s 12th anniversary, we're d...

11/07/2025

2025 Sundance Institute Producers Lab Fellows Announced

PARK CITY, UTAH, July 11, 2025 - The nonprofit Sundance Institute announced today the 11 producers chosen for its annual Producers Labs, returning to Ucross Fou...

09/07/2025

Through Their Lens: What Cinematographer Jomo Fray Saw at the 2025 Directors Lab

By Bailey Pennick There's something arresting about the way Jomo Fray captures the world. The cinematographer, now best known for his unparalleled work on ...

08/07/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Juan Meja Botero, the Director of Igualada: Refusing to Know Your Place

One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a fro...

04/07/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Tadashi Nakamura, the Filmmaker Behind Third Act

By Lucy Spicer Editor's note: We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robe...

02/07/2025

Release Rundown: What to Watch in July, From FOLKTALES to Oh, Hi!

Hege Wik and Odin appear in FOLKTALES by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institut...

02/07/2025

IGUALADA Beats the Odds in the Ultimate Underdog Tale

(Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival) By Patty Consolazio This one's for any person who's ever felt put down, left out, marginaliz...

27/06/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Eva Victor, the Writer-Director Behind Sorry, Baby

By Jessica Herndon One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Fest...

26/06/2025

Amrou Al-Kadhi's Layla Brings Audience to Its Knees

Louis Greatorex, Amrou Al-Kadhi and Bilal Hasana. (Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival) By Veronika Lee Claghorn The world premiere of Amr...

25/06/2025

Personnel Thoughts: Our Sundance Film Festival Picks From the Aubrey Plaza Archives

Aubrey Plaza getting ready for My Old Ass (photo by George Pimentel/Shutterstock...

25/06/2025

Inside the Archives: Underscoring the Value of Digitization and Access

On the set of Leslie McCleave's The Shamrocks with Mount Timpanogos as a backdrop during the 1999 Directors Lab. Photo by Sandria Miller...

24/06/2025

John August on Encouraging Exploration at the Sundance Institute Labs

John August with fellow Kibwe Tavares at Sundance Institute's 2016 June Screenwriters Lab. Photo by Brandon Cruz for Sundance Institute...

24/06/2025

ReFrame Rise Selects Third Cohort for Two-Year Fellowship Program

The Comprehensive and Customized Program Supports and Sustains Mid-Career Directors & DPs with Support from Netflix...

20/06/2025

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore Shows How the Deaf Icon Changed Hollywood and Beyond

(L-R) Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Shoshannah Stern attend the 2025 Sundance ...

20/06/2025

2025 Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellows Selected

Ignite Lab Will Kick Off a Year of Opportunities for Emerging Filmmakers Ages 18 to 25 Marking the Program's 10th Year...

20/06/2025

Enigma Wants to Unravel a Mystery in Trans Sisterhood History

Zackary Drucker attends the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Enigma at the Egyptian Theatre on January 28, 2025, in Park City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walk...

18/06/2025

Kasi Lemmons on the Enduring Originality of the Sundance Institute Labs

Kasi Lemmons with fellow Daniel Kaluuya at Sundance Institute's 2016 January Screenwriters Lab. Photo by Brandon Cruz for Sundance Institute...

18/06/2025

The Fight for Trans Rights Is Highlighted in Heightened Scrutiny

Sam Feder at Heightened Scrutiny premiere (photo by Robin Marshall / Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival) By Bailey Pennick Editor's note: Since the...

17/06/2025

2025 Sundance Film Festival: Local Lens

Top L-R: The Dating Game, All That's Left of You ( ) Center L-R: Come See Me in the Good Light, Omaha, Rebuilding Bottom L-R: Selena y Los Din...

17/06/2025

The Intersex Protagonist in Ponyboi Is a Revelation

PARK CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 20: River Gallo attends the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Ponyboi premiere at the Library Center Theatre on January 20, 2024, in Park ...

16/06/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Carmen Emmi, the Writer-Director of Plainclothes

By Bailey Pennick One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festi...

13/06/2025

Prime Minister: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Leader Who Champions Kindness

(L-R) Lindsay Utz, Michelle Walshe, and The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Prime Minister at Eccles T...

10/06/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Cristina Costantini, the Director of SALLY

By Lucy Spicer One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. Whi...

07/06/2025

Creative Accomplices: Alex Ross Perry and Jason Schwartzman

By Bailey Pennick Alex Ross Perry is in the middle of a thought. It's not following just one strand, though. It's a textured and tangent-filled journey...

05/06/2025

SALLY Expands the Portrait of an American Icon

(L-R) Cristina Costantini, Tam O'Shaughnessy, Bear Ride, and Lauren Cioffi attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of SALLY at The Ray Theatre on ...

04/06/2025

Film Festival Watch: See These 16 Sundance Institute-Supported Films at Tribeca 2025

By Jessica Herndon The Tribeca Festival is back, bringing a whirlwind of world ...

03/06/2025

Release Rundown: What to Watch in June, From SALLY to Sorry, Baby

Sally Ride appears in SALLY by Cristina Costantini, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by NASA....

03/06/2025

Sundance Institute Adds Scott Frank, David Nevins, Greg Sarris, and Blair Ligelis Stein to Board of Trustees

PARK CITY UT, June 2, 2025 - The nonprofit Sundance Institute announced today th...

03/06/2025

The Pride of the Sundance Film Festival: 400 LGBTQ+ Films to Watch This June (and Beyond!)

[Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-Chan, and Bowen Yang appear in The We...

29/05/2025

From Fellow to Advisor: Erica Tremblay at Sundance Institute's Native Lab

Director Erica Tremblay on the set of Little Chief' during the 2018 Native Filmmakers Lab. Photo by Tytianna Harris for Sundance Institute...

28/05/2025

Inside the Archives: Directors Lab Creative Advisors Nurture Filmmaking Talent Over the Years

Creative advisor Joan Darling and artistic director Gyula Gazdag chat with fello...

24/05/2025

Paul Reubens Opens Up on His Terms in Pee-wee as Himself

(L-R) Senior Manager and Festival Programmer Adam Montgomery and Matt Wolf attend the Sundance Film Festival premiere of Pee-wee as Himself January 23 at The ...

23/05/2025

Get Familiar With This Summer's Filmmakers Through These 16 Sundance Institute-Supported Films

Elijah Wood and Melanie Lynskey star in Macon Blair's award-winning film I ...

20/05/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Matt Wolf, the Filmmaker Behind Pee-wee as Himself

By Bailey Pennick One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festi...

15/05/2025

Detroit Is Gorgeous and Grief Is Gritty in To Live and Die and Live

PARK CITY, UTAH JANUARY 20: Skye P. Marshall, Omari Hardwick, Cory Hardrict, Qasim Basir, Dana Gourrier, and Amin Joseph attend the 2023 Sundance Film Festiva...

15/05/2025

Directors Lab at 45: Writer-Director Marielle Heller Remembers Finding Her Voice in the 2012 Lab

Director of photography Benjamin Kasulke, actors Katie Henney and Hannah Marks, ...

12/05/2025

Sundance Film Festival: CDMX 2025 by Cinpolis Announces the Official Program for the Second Edition

The Sundance Film Festival: CDMX 2025 program is composed of 15 feature films an...

08/05/2025

What to Watch: 6 Sundance Institute-Supported Films by Filipino Directors

A sinister fairy infiltrates a desperate family in Kenneth Dagatan's In My Mother's Skin, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Photo co...

05/05/2025

Dark History and Evil Are Unearthed in The Moogai

Shari Sebbens attends the 2024 Sundance Film Festival The Moogai premiere at The Ray Theatre in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Donayle West/Shutterstock for Sunda...

02/05/2025

Black Box Diaries, Queendom, and Will & Harper Among Six Sundance Institute-Supported Films Taking Home Peabody Awards

The 85th annual Peabody Awards were a special moment for Sundance Institute-supp...

02/05/2025

Sundance Institute-Supported King Coal, FRIDA, and More Land Nominations for News & Documentary Emmys

The 46th annual News & Documentary Emmys are just around the corner, and this ye...

01/05/2025

Release Rundown: What to Watch in May, From The Moogai to Pee-wee as Himself

Paul Reubens appears in Pee-wee as Himself, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Michael Ochs A...

30/04/2025

Inside the Archives: Preserving and Saving At-Risk Films Takes a Village

Film elements held at the Deluxe warehouse in March of 2015. Photo by Luis Silva...

29/04/2025

Deaf President Now! Resurfaces a Pivotal Civil Rights Struggle

(L-R) Tim Rarus, Bridgetta Bourne, Nyle DiMarco, Jerry Covell, Greg Hlibok, and Davis Guggenheim attend the premiere of Deaf President Now! at Eccles Theatre ...

25/04/2025

The Legend of Ochi Takes Families on an Adventure

Emily Watson, Isaiah Saxon, Helena Zengel, and Finn Wolfhard at The Legend of Ochi premiere (photo by Soul Brother/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)...

24/04/2025

Film Festival Watch: Catch These 13 Sundance Institute-Supported Films at the 2025 Hot Docs Festival

We're huge fans of shining a spotlight on the documentaries that empower, en...

22/04/2025

Amalia Ulman Breaks the Rules With Magic Farm

Chloe Sevigny at the Magic Farm premiere (photo by Michael Hurcomb/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)...

21/04/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Nadia Fall, the Director of Brides

By Lucy Spicer One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. Whi...

18/04/2025

Everyone Is Cordially Invited to Celebrate Queer Joy in The Wedding Banquet

Director Andrew Ahn, alongside actors Youn Yuh-jung and Joan Chen, takes a photo of the audience after the premiere of his film The Wedding Banquet at Eccles ...