READ MORE: Sundance Review: 'Dope' is a Slick Hip-Hop–Driven Tale of Divided Identity "Dope" premiered to rave reviews (and prizes) at the Sundance Film Festival in January, and its pre-release hype is only increasing after its screening in the Directors' Fortnight section at Cannes. Here's the official synopsis: "A critical hit and audience favorite out of the Sundance Film Festival, in 'Dope,' Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT.