The 2018 Sundance Film Festival returns today, as it continues to be an important hub showcasing bold, independent storytelling from around the world.

This year, 110 feature-length films were selected, representing 29 countries and 47 first-time filmmakers, including 30 in competition, according to a press release from the Sundance Institute. 8,740 short films were submitted for consideration this year as well. The festival runs through January 28.

Going through this year's program, we noticed 16 short and feature-length films by black directors that need to be highlighted, including directorial debuts from Idris Elba and Boots Riley, as well as Zambia's Rungano Nyoni's first feature film that has already garnered critical acclaim.

Although the Institute has a long way to go regarding representation from black filmmakers, these films are most definitely ones you can't miss at the festival.

Take a look, featuring synopses from Sundance, below.