London calling: Everything we know about Sundance London 2018

London’s West End once again played host to Sundance London, the UK extension of Robert Redford’s Utah-based festival. Featuring UK premieres of some of the most highly anticipated independent movies of the year, the UK offshoot of Robert Redford’s Utah based film festival will be kicking off for an extended weekend of cinema. Taking place across four days from May 31st until June 3rd at Picturehouse Central on Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of London’s West End Sundance London is open to the general public and Picturehouse members. Of course, we know that what you’re really interested in knowing is the line-up and schedule for this year’s spectacular festival and so you should . Having picked the cream of the crop from the January programme in Utah, the Sundance London line-up is an absolutely doozy you won’t want to miss out on. That includes yet another surprise screening (after the success of the surprise screening of Patti Cake$ in 2017) where the movie will ultimately remain a mystery until the opening credits roll. Here’s the rest of the movies, events, and special presentations you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival.

Main features

Hereditary

Friday June 1st (6:30pm), Saturday June 2nd (9pm)

UK screenings on Friday June 1 (6:30pm) and Saturday June 2 (9pm) at Picturehouse Central. Toni Collette introduced the film during the London event. Feature debut for writer-director Ari Aster; premiered earlier at Park City Sundance in January 2018.

Legacy of Hereditary

Hereditary premiered at Sundance Park City January 2018 before London screenings. Directed by Ari Aster in his feature debut. Grossed approximately $90 million worldwide on a $10 million budget. The film has become a landmark in modern horror since its 2018 debut, warranting a dedicated update on its cultural impact.

Sundance London Timeline

Editions held 2012–2014, returned 2016–2019 at Picturehouse Central. 2022 edition featured 12 films and a national tour component. 2024 edition held June 6–9 in partnership with Picturehouse. The festival's London presence was intermittent rather than annual, requiring a clear historical overview to contextualize the 2018 edition.

Talent Appearances at 2018 Sundance London

Toni Collette introduced Hereditary on June 1, 2018. Festival included Q&As and surprise elements. Contemporary coverage highlights in-person introductions and red-carpet moments that enhance the live-event aspect of the festival.

Broader Sundance Institute Programming

2026 edition was the final year in Utah before relocation to Boulder in 2027. London events selected standout titles from the January lineup. The main festival's evolution provides necessary background on how London selections were curated from the Utah program.

Contemporary reviews from the time captured the buzz around the Hereditary screenings and the festival’s intimate setting inside Picturehouse Central. The surprise screening slot continued a tradition that had worked well the previous year, keeping audiences guessing until the lights dimmed. Reports noted the steady flow of industry figures and local cinephiles who turned up for the four-day run, drawn by the chance to catch titles that had already generated early awards chatter back in Utah. The event underscored how Sundance London served as a curated snapshot rather than a full replica of the main festival.