The Oldest Person in the World

Competition Feature: Documentary

Thursday, September 17th 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Filmed over ten years, his luminous film spans countries and cultures as he meets current record-holders for the oldest person alive. With gentle encouragement, Green asks what this stage of life is like and tries to elicit their answers to existential questions around mortality. What defines a life well-lived? What matters most in the end? Sensitive narration and poignant connections link a series of unexpected encounters. Throughout the journey, Green weaves in his own introspections, reflecting on fatherhood, illness, loss, and love. Every person on the planet is born, and every person will die; The Oldest Person in the World explores the vast range of living that comes in between.

Directed by: Sam Green

Genre: Documentary

Run time: 87 minutes

Awards: Sundance Official Selection 2026

Connect: @theoldestpersonintheworld, www.theoldestperson.com

Meet the Filmmaker

Sam Green is a New York-based documentary filmmaker. THE OLDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD marks his seventh feature documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. His most recent film, 32 SOUNDS (Oscar Shortlist), played opening night of both the 2022 Sundance and SXSW festivals. Along with 32 SOUNDS (with JD Samson), Sam’s other recent “live documentaries” include A THOUSAND THOUGHTS (with the Kronos Quartet, 2018), THE MEASURE OF ALL THINGS (2014), THE LOVE SONG OF R. BUCKMINSTER FULLER (with Yo La Tengo, 2012), and UTOPIA IN FOUR MOVEMENTS (2010). With all of these works, he narrates the film in-person while musicians perform a live soundtrack. Sam’s 2004 feature-length film, THE WEATHER UNDERGROUND, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, was nominated for an Academy Award and was included in the Whitney Biennial. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.