Breakout Sundance films and key takeaways from this year's festival

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Film wasn’t the only thing on people’s minds at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, which comes to a close Sunday in Park City, Utah ( and online ).

The effects of the wildfires in Southern California loomed large, as did the bittersweet knowledge that this year will be the second to last Sundance based in Park City. Some films offered an escape from reality; others were a pointed reminder of the domestic and international political landscape, from transgender rights to the war in Ukraine.