THE ART OF STORYTELLING: BEAUTIFUL FILMS AT SUNDANCE FESTIVAL 2016

The art of storytelling is best conveyed in film. Today, we are sharing our curated selection of some of the most beautiful and compelling films that are running during the Sundance Film Festival 2016.

SKY LADDER: THE ART OF CAI GUO-QIANG

After 21 years of failed attempts at executing his vision, he finally succeeded. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang, a new electrifying documentary, tells the life story of the artist and his brilliant ephemeral works.

Sky Ladder consisted of a huge white balloon filled with 6,200 cubic meters of helium attached to it was a 500-meter long fireworks ladder.

It rose above Huiyu Island Harbour, in Cai’s hometown of Quanzhou, China. It was beyond spectacular. Like a fiery tower of Babel, Sky Ladder, appears to reach the heavens, if only for 2 ½ minutes.

Aiming to unite Eastern philosophy and contemporary social issues, Cai Guo-Qiang explores the connections between humanity and the universe with his massive fireworks performances.

Filmmaker Kevin Macdonald weaves the story together vérité footage, along with interviews from Cai, his friends, family, and members of the art world.

SONITA

Women and girls have a particularly tough time in countries where governments restrict their freedoms and access. Sonita, a new documentary, directed by Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami, tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a rap star in conservative Iran.

Despite facing huge obstacles and setbacks, Sonita presses on, creating beats and rhymes that rail against the injustices of sexual discrimination.

Sonita is a moving intimate portrait of an admirable budding artist and a shifting complex society.

MAPPLETHORPE: LOOK AT THE PICTURES

Filmmakers Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey's new film Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, is a documentary about this important artist’s life and body of work. Interviews with his closest colleagues and friends share the intriguing details and stories of Mapplethorpe’s life and pursuits.

While much of Mapplethorpe’s work is considered controversial, for its graphic portrayal of gay sex and fetish, not even the most conservative of critics can deny his brilliant talent -- the squeamish preferring his stunningly beautiful flower portraits.

MAYA ANGELOU AND STILL I RISE

Maya Angelou, and Still I Rise, is a beautiful documentary about a beautiful human being who inspired generations with her art and insight.

Filmmakers Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack tell the story of this American legend with artfully woven threads, including rare, intimate archival photographs and videos, layered with her inspirational wisdom.

We know Angelou mainly as a poet and writer, but the film also celebrates her passions as a singer, dancer, and activist. We learn about her early childhood, growing up during the Depression in the South, we see her rise up and lend her voice to the civil rights movement, and we relive her inaugural speech for President Bill Clinton.

MICHAEL JACKSON'S JOURNEY FROM MOTOWN TO OFF THE WALL

It began when the TV set broke. The kids got bored, so they started singing. They carried on and tried their luck at some local talent shows. They won. They became the Jackson 5. And they launched the career of one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived.

Director Spike Lee beautifully captures a slice of this extraordinary life in his new documentary, Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall. Lee weaves together an exceptional collection of archival footage, interviews with musicians and industry icons who knew Michael best, and family members to tell the story of an early rise to fame. 

SING STREET

John Carney, of Once fame, returns to Sundance this year with Sing Street, a loosely autobiographical story, set in Dublin, in the 1980s, about kids facing personal challenges, with school and their families, who find refuge and joy in music.

MILES AHEAD

Miles Davis, one of the most talented, most creative, jazz geniuses of our time, had a tough life, that few people ever knew about. His remarkable story is told in Miles Ahead, a new documentary by first-time director actor Don Cheadle.

Cheadle also co-wrote and played lead actor in the film. He finds Davis haunted by memories of old glories and of his years with Frances Taylor, his true love.

The film leverages its jazz roots with innovative use of sound. Check out the rhythms and the rolls.

Read more about Beautiful Storytelling, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including New Beautiful Stories Unfold at Sundance Festival 2016, New Nature, Science, & Tech Stories Unfold at Sundance 2016 and Beautiful Food Stories Are Being Told Now.

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IMAGE CREDITS:

1. Image: Courtesy of Cai Studio. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang.
2. Image: Courtesy of Cai Studio. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang.
3. Image: Courtesy of Cai Studio. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang.
4. Image: Courtesy of Cai Studio. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang.
5. Image: Courtesy of Cai Studio. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang.
6. Image: Courtesy of Argus Productions. Still from Sonita.
7. Image: Courtesy of HBO. Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures.
8. Image: Courtesy of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. Still Life - Orchid.
9. Image: Courtesy of Media Process Group. Maya Angelou, and Still I Rise.
10. Image: Courtesy of Media Process Group. Maya Angelou, and Still I Rise.
11. Image: Courtesy of Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall.
12. Image: Courtesy of Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall.
13. Image: Courtesy of The Weinstein Company. Sing Street.
14. Image: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics. Miles Ahead.
15. Image: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics. Miles Ahead.
16. Image: Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival.
17. Image: by BN App - Download now!
18. Image: Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival.