When the small town of Marion, Kansas, is thrust into the international spotlight after a police raid on the Marion County Record and the death of its 98-year-old co-owner, a fierce debate ignites about the abuse of power, journalistic ethics, local journalism, and the United States Constitution.

In politically turbulent times, existential tumult can coalesce into an overwhelming storm. Like lightning in a bottle, director Sharon Liese (Parker, 2023 Sundance Film Festival) captures the story of the Marion County Record raid, a perfectly illustrative microcosm of the moment. The specificity of this story, its lively and distinctive players, and its weighty ethical and democratic consequences make not only for a gripping watch, but an orienting, sobering, grounding experience amidst an onslaught of state overreach, press suppression, and threats to journalism as we know it. Diligent storytelling, kaleidoscopic perspectives, rich context, and generosity in allowing its audience to reach their own conclusions make Seized an excellent antidote to the threats it so potently captures. Liese returns to the Sundance Film Festival with this crucial contribution to journalistic discourse. — AC

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 29–February 1) and credentialed press and industry (January 28–February 1).