The Oldest Person in the World

2026 • 87’ • United States, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, France, Spain, England

THE OLDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD is a decade-long chronicle of each individual who holds the title of oldest living person. As the title inevitably passes from one super old person to the next, acclaimed filmmaker Sam Green traverses the globe to meet each new record holder, his personal fascination with what the title means becoming entangled with events and milestones in his own life. What begins as a portrait of longevity becomes a poignant meditation on the passage of time, the randomness of fate and the joy and profound human experience of being alive.

Director:
Sam Green

Producers:
Alison Byrne Fields, Josh Penn

Festivals:
Sundance 2026
True/False 2026
CPH:DOX 2026

Filmmaker’s Biography:

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.