Faces of Sundance 2017

On the opening day of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, Paste sat down with Director of Programming Trevor Groth to discuss this year’s slate of films and the global issues that many address. The conversation acknowledged the weight of the past year: the significant political turmoil at home and abroad, and the seemingly incessant loss of so many notable artists. The quandary of “what do we do next?” was as palpable as the heavy snowfall. But, Groth offered hope. His statement that, “artists light the way” suggested where we might go to seek the optimism to strive for positive change and the empathy to bring us all closer together. These are some of those artists. Their work and their commitment to their craft and to those with whom they practice it confirm Groth knows well of what he speaks.

1 of 30 Katrina and Karena: founders of Tone It Up Fitness hosted a wellness studio in Park City

2 of 30 Medalion Rahimi appears in the Ry Russo-Young film, "Before I Fall."

3 of 30 Melanie Lynskey plays Ruth in the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize-winning film, "I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore," written and directed by Macon Blair.

4 of 30 Elijah Wood stars as Tony in "I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore."

5 of 30 Zoe Lister-Jones wrote, directed, and stars as Anna in "Band Aid."

6 of 30 Adam Pally plays Ben in the Lister-Jones film "Band Aid."

7 of 30 Zoe Lister-Jones and Adam Pally of "Band Aid"

8 of 30 Lakeith Stanfield stars as Colin in the Matt Ruskin drama, "Crown Heights."

9 of 30 Lakeith Stanfield and Natalie Paul of "Crown Heights."

10 of 30 Nnamdi Asomugha plays Carl in "Crown Heights."