Acura’s role as Presenting Sponsor and Official Vehicle of the Sundance Film Festival takes on new meaning for 2021 by bringing the spirit of independent filmmakers to film fans everywhere. The Acura Festival Virtual Village (acura.com/sundance) offers the film community and fans the opportunity to tune in for filmmaker and talent interviews and daily musical performances from JOHNNYSWIM, as well as the chance to explore the all-new 2022 MDX SUV, the most premium, performance-focused, and technologically advanced SUV in Acura history.

For 11 years, Acura has maintained its commitment to supporting emerging artists and underrepresented voices in film that are lifted up by the Sundance Film Festival. This year, Acura has joined forces with 21-year-old auteur director and Sundance Institute 2020 Screenwriters Lab alumni Phillip Youmans to direct “Days in the Lab,” a new :30 spot that will play for audiences prior to select 2021 Sundance Film Festival screenings.

Recognized for his 2019 debut Burning Cane, Youmans captures the struggles many young filmmakers face during the creative process. Shot on Super 16mm film, the spot delivers an authentic and intimate journey of an independent filmmaker, inspired by Youmans’ own experience as a participant in the Sundance Labs. 

“The filmmaking process is an emotional ride, but a gratifying one. With this piece for Acura, I wanted to follow the triumphs and tribulations of the creative process, something every artist can relate to,” said director Phillip Youmans. “Moreover, this piece stands for the idea that anyone can achieve their goals – no matter where you come from – with a little hard work and perseverance.”

“Acura, as a brand rooted in innovation, embraces new and creative ideas and we connect fully with the wonderful storytelling that Phillip captures in ‘Days in the Lab,’” said Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer. “Through our partnership with Phillip and Sundance Institute, Acura is proud to offer a platform for independent filmmakers and emerging artists to share their voices and showcase their creativity.”

The connection between Youmans and Acura was made by Sundance Institute as part of a program to help independent artists secure work and tell powerful stories that reflect the values and mission of Acura.

“Over the 11 years Acura has partnered with Sundance Institute, the brand has always been fiercely committed to supporting the independent spirit of filmmakers and the creative community,” added Mary Sadeghy, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Sundance Institute. “Phillip so beautifully brought to life the shared values of Acura and Sundance Institute through his story.”

During the 2021 Festival, Acura also will host a virtual premiere party for HOW IT ENDS, written, directed, and produced by Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jonesand starring Lister-Jones, OliviaWilde, Fred Armisen, Helen Hunt, Lamorne Morris, and Nick Kroll. Premiering on Friday, Jan. 29 at 3pm PST, the HOW IT ENDS cast and crew will be treated to pizza from local Los Angeles restaurant ALL TIME, safely delivered in the new 2022 MDX.

Additionally, Acura and IMDb will present exclusive video content from this year’s Festival, sharing interviews and clips with film enthusiasts around the world. Entertainment fans can access coverage on the IMDb homepage (www.imdb.com).

As the Official Vehicle partner of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, Acura is pleased to spotlight the all-new 2022 Acura MDX. The fourth-generation MDX has been completely redesigned from the ground around Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA to serve as the new flagship of the Acura brand. The 2022 MDX will begin arriving at Acura dealerships Feb. 2. More details on the 2022 MDX can be found at: https://acura.us/2022MDX.

For more information on Acura and the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, visit Acura.com/Sundance.