Since 1985, the Sundance Film Festival has been responsible for launching some of the worlds greatest indie films. Movies such as, Fruitvale Station and Hoop Dreams are examples of movies that had breakthrough success at the festival.

The Sundance Film Festival is the perfect opportunity and platform for new  screen writers and film makers to showcase their talents and hopefully launch their careers.

This year is no different as it features a crop full of fresh and vibrant films that will leave viewers wanting more. Lets take a look at five of the best films that won at this year’s film festival:

5)  Film: The Skeleton Twins

Award: Winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic 

Description: Thespians and Saturday Night Live alums, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader play as siblings of a dysfunctional family in this dramedy directed by Craig Johnson. Milo, a less successful actor played by Bill Hader is forced to take care of his twin sister Maggie played by Kristen Wiig.

4) Film: Imperial Dreams

Award: Best of Next Audience Award 

Description: Directed by Malik Vitthal, a 21-year old reformed gangster’s devotion to the well being of his family and his future collide as he returns back to his old life in Watts, Los Angeles. The cast include: John Boyega, Rotini Akinosho, Glenn Plummer, Keke Palmer, De’aundre Bonds.

3) Film: Difret

Award:  The Audience Award for World Cinema Dramatic

Description: Directed and screen written by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari, this film takes place in the African country of Ethiopia. Meaza Ashenafi, a lawyer currently working for the government is secretly helping women and children until a young girls legal case is exposed. Risking her job, Meaza embarks on a quest to save this young girl while jeopardizing her occupation. The cast include: Meron Getnet and Tizita Hagere.

2) Film: Dear White People

Award:  U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent

Description: A movie challenging and exploring the race identity of four African American students at a ivy league school, Dear White People is a comedy full of laughs but will leave you with a lasting impression on the topic of racial politics in America. Recognizable talents in this movie include: Tyler James Williams, Dennis Haysbert and Brandon P Bell.

1) Film: Whiplash

Award: The Audience Award for U.S. Dramatic Presented by Acura &  The U.S. Grand Jury Prize:Dramatic 

Description: Arguably the greatest film at Sundance Film Festival this year, Whiplash directed by Damien Chazelle is a inspiring tale of an overbearing jazz instructor trying to bring the best out of his pupil.  The jazz drummer played by Miles Turner is a unpolished talent on the verge of breakthrough whereas, his instructor played by J.K Simmons is a man using physical violence to create a star student.

Andrew Somuah(@Drewtheabstract)