Los Angeles Productions Premiere At Sundance

PARK CITY (Jan. 30, 2022) — Several Los Angeles-based films made their debut at this year's virtual Sundance Film Festival. From women's journeys of self discovery to documentaries about the ups and downs of show business, these upcoming releases cannot be missed.

"Am I OK?"

Wives and co-directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allyne tell a “coming-of-age later-in-life” tale with their directorial debut. Screenwriter Lauren Pomerantz pens a semi-autobiographical story starring Dakota Johnson (who also produced the film) and Sonoya Mizuno as best friends on the brink of change: one realizes she is gay, just as the other is preparing to move across the ocean. Their relationship is stretched and tested in new ways as they navigate these changes in a funny, realistic ode to friendship and personal growth. Los Angeles provides the backdrop as Lucy (Johnson) figures out if she’ll be able to find her way without Jane (Mizuno). Filmed in the city last February — and delayed at least once by COVID-19 — “Am I OK?” was purchased by HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures out of Sundance last week.

"Phoenix Rising"

Actor and activist Evan Rachel Wood shares her experience of domestic violence at the hands of ex-fiance Marilyn Manson in the first of a two-part documentary directed by Amy Berg. Wood chronicles her move to Los Angeles, the labels she was faced with as a young actor and ultimately the harrowing abuse she endured as a young adult. An inspiring and painful watch, “Phoenix Rising” follows Wood all the way to Sacramento, where she advocates for fellow survivors at the capitol. It will stream on HBO Max in March.

"Lucy and Desi"

Director Amy Poehler and producer Lucie Arnaz give a glimpse into the lives, careers and personal trials of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, from their meeting on the set of an RKO sound stage to running their own major television studio. Their Los Angeles love story is told mostly in their own words, through audio tapes and home videos. This in-depth documentary is a tribute to their humanity, as much as their contributions to the entertainment industry. Poehler's documentary debut will stream on Amazon Prime Video this March.

"Sharp Stick"

Lena Dunham’s first feature film in 11 years was filmed during the pandemic and, in a rare cinematic move, actually takes place in the middle of it. Shot in early 2021 in Atwater Village and Eagle Rock, the film follows SJ (Kristine Froseth), a 26-year-old exploring her sexuality after trauma. Her quest becomes entwined with the wealthy family for whom she babysits, creating a complicated, twisted web that is disturbing at times and silly at others.

Plus: LA filmmakers Julie Ha and Eugene Yi sold their Bay Area-based documentary "Free Chol Soo Lee" to Mubi and Aubrey Plaza starred in the tense Southland-set thriller "Emily the Criminal."