Sundance Film Festival: February Releases – Jimpa, Queen of Chess & More

Independent film enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as several titles originally showcased at the 2025 and 2026 Sundance Film Festivals prepare for wider release. This month, audiences will have the opportunity to experience these films both in theatres and through streaming platforms.

New Releases from Sundance

Two films from the 2025 festival are heading to select theatres, while two titles from the more recent 2026 festival will become available for streaming. The lineup includes a drama starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, a surreal feature with Juliette Lewis, a documentary focusing on chess grandmaster Judit Polgár and a sci-fi film featuring Rashida Jones and Kate McKinnon.

Jimpa: A Story Rooted in Personal Experience

Jimpa, starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, is based on events from director Sophie Hyde’s life. The film centres on Hannah, who visits her father, Jimpa, in Amsterdam and brings her nonbinary teenager, Frances, along. When Frances expresses a desire to stay with Jimpa for a year, Hannah is forced to confront her past and re-evaluate her parenting. Jimpa will be in select theatres starting February 6.

Did You Know? Sophie Hyde’s film, Jimpa, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

Surrealism and Sci-Fi on the Horizon

Audiences can also look forward to By Design, a surreal film where Juliette Lewis’ character swaps places with a chair. The film will arrive in select theatres on February 13. In The Blink of An Eye, a sci-fi feature directed by Andrew Stanton and starring Rashida Jones and Kate McKinnon, will be available to stream on Hulu starting February 27. This film won the 2026 Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize.

Documenting a Chess Champion

Rory Kennedy’s documentary, Queen of Chess, profiles Judit Polgár, considered the strongest woman competitive chess player of all time. The film highlights Polgár’s career, marked by both success and sexism, and her quest to challenge Garry Kasparov. Queen of Chess will be streaming on Netflix beginning February 6.

Expert Insight: The release of these films across both theatrical and streaming platforms demonstrates a continued effort to broaden the reach of independent cinema and connect these stories with diverse audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What films are coming to theatres?

Jimpa, starring Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, and By Design, featuring Juliette Lewis, are both scheduled for release in select theatres.

Which films will be available for streaming?

Queen of Chess will be streaming on Netflix, and In The Blink of An Eye will be available on Hulu.

When can audiences see these films?

Releases begin in February, with Jimpa in theatres on February 6, Queen of Chess streaming on February 6, By Design in theatres on February 13, and In The Blink of An Eye streaming on February 27.

With a diverse range of stories and talented casts, these releases from the Sundance Film Festivals offer a compelling glimpse into the world of independent filmmaking. What impact do you think these films will have on the broader cinematic landscape?