SUNDANCE 2025

Celebrating Bold Storytelling!

At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, the air was charged with visionary energy and candid conversations. The festival loomed with uncertainty: The festival’s move to a new home, shifts in the political landscape, and film distribution challenges were top of mind. Yet filmmakers and change-makers rose to the occasion and came together to reimagine the future of storytelling.

Bucks County, U.S.A.

We were thrilled the festival chose to host the world premiere of Bucks County, U.S.A. This intimate documentary series (co-directed by Barry Levinson and Robert May) exposes the vitriol in a crucial swing county and the hope of two 14-year-old girls, best friends despite opposing political beliefs.

Bridge Entertainment Labs hosted a panel conversation with the filmmakers at The Impact Lounge, which delved into how generous listening can create deeper understanding for both filmmakers and the audiences, even when divisions seem insurmountable. Filmmakers and bridge-building practitioners discussed how genuine dialogue can transform even the most challenging conversations, illustrating that spaces for open exchange help capture authentic, personal experiences.

Yet as we saw during the premiere’s audience Q&A and a lunch with the film’s participants, emotions can flare — and that’s not a sign of failure, but a natural part of the creative process and the work of bridging. Bridging isn’t about avoiding conflict. What matters is building the muscle to sit with discomfort, keep an open mind, and stay true to your values and lived experience. Crafting balanced narratives humanizes opposing viewpoints and equips the audience to overcome division and work toward positive change. Bucks County, U.S.A. doesn’t just portray this—it catalyzes it for the filmmakers, the participants, and the audience.

Watch the Conversation

Participants:

Steven Olikara (CEO, Bridge Entertainment Labs)
Sarah Cross (Executive Producer, Bucks County, U.S.A. / VP at Stand Together)
Robert May (Director and Executive Producer, Bucks County, U.S.A.)
Jason Sosnoff (Executive Producer, Bucks County, U.S.A.)

We look forward to continuing to work with the filmmakers as they complete and debut the series. Keep an eye on the filmmakers’ website or follow our social for updates as they come in.