Nnamdi Asomugha

A biopic of famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman, the American hero who escaped the shackles of slavery and subsequently helped free others from servitude through a channel of safe houses and secret routes known as the Underground Railroad.

There was no shortage of amazing films at this year’s Sundance, making the discovery of breakout actors, filmmakers, and writers exciting. Here are 17 names — some familiar faces, others new — that made a considerable impression with their films at this year’s fest.

Hammer signs on for Parker’s directorial debut.

Logline: After experiencing relgious visions, Nat Turner and a group of 70 rebel slaves killed more than 50 people in Virginia.

The story follows a fireman in the witness protection program who must take matters into his own hands in order to save his life after the individual who he must testify against threatens to kill him.

Logline: The story follows a fireman in the witness protection program who must take matters into his own hands in order to save his life after the individual who he must testify against threatens to kill him.