About Us

About Us

Our Story

“Storytellers broaden our minds: engage, provoke, inspire, and ultimately, connect us.”  Robert Redford, president and founder

As a champion and curator of independent stories, the nonprofit Sundance Institute provides and preserves the space for artists in film and episodic storytelling to create and thrive.

Robert Redford founded the Institute in 1981 to foster independence, risk-taking, and new voices in American film. That year, 10 emerging filmmakers were invited to the Sundance Resort in the mountains of Utah, where they worked with leading writers, directors, and actors to develop their original independent projects.

Today, our team of 165 employees works year-round to offer 12 labs and intensives, grants exceeding $3 million, and ongoing mentorships that support more than 1000 artists each year. Each January, the Sundance Film Festival introduces a global audience to groundbreaking work and emerging talent in independent film.

In addition to the Festival, the Sundance Institute hosts many public programs in the U.S. and around the world to connect artists with audiences to present original voices, inspire new ideas, and create community around independent storytelling.

Annual Reports

Read the 2023 Sundance Film Festival Economic Impact Report More >

Read the 2020 Sundance Film Festival Economic Impact Report More >

Read the 2019 Sundance Film Festival Economic Impact Report More >

Read the 2019 Sundance Institute Annual ReportMore >

Read the 2018 Sundance Institute Annual ReportMore >

Read the 2023 Financial Statements And Independent Auditor’s ReportMore >

Read the 2022 Financial Statements And Independent Auditor’s ReportMore >

Read the 2021 Financial Statements And Independent Auditor’s ReportMore >

Read the 2020 Financial Statements And Independent Auditor’s ReportMore >

Read the 2019 Financial Statements And Independent Auditor’s ReportMore >

Read the 2018 Financial Statements And Independent Auditor’s ReportMore >

Read the 2017 Financial Statements And Independent Auditor’s ReportMore >

Our Mission

The Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the Institute seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and media artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work.

Our Vision

We believe that a story driven by an individual, authentic voice can awaken new ideas that have the power to delight and entertain, push creative boundaries, spark new levels of empathy and understanding, and even lead to social change. We support independent storytellers and advance the impact of their work in the world.

Board of Trustees

Robert Redford, President & Founder More >

Sean Bailey, Vice ChairMore >

Jason BlumMore >

Kimberlé CrenshawMore >

Philipp EngelhornMore >

Caterina FakeMore >

Nina Fialkow

Jeanne Donovan FisherMore >

Robert J. FrankenbergMore >

Patrick GaspardMore >

Donna GruneichMore >

Cindy Harrell HornMore >

Uzodinma IwealaMore >

Amanda KelsoMore >

Charles D. KingMore >

Lyn Davis LearMore >

Ann LewnesMore >

Ebs Burnough, Board ChairMore >

Gigi Pritzker, Vice ChairMore >

Wonya LucasMore >

Shripriya MaheshMore >

Pat Mitchell More >

Peter Nicks

William PlapingerMore >

Alejandro Ramírez MagañaMore >

Amy RedfordMore >

Geoffrey K. SandsMore >

Nadine Schiff-RosenMore >

Kimberly Steward

Tessa Thompson

Barry Tyerman

Lulu WangMore >

Walter L. Weisman, Chair EmeritusMore >

Director's Advisory Group

Jason Hirschhorn More >
Andrew JareckiMore >
Aminatou SowMore >
Tim Wu More >
Lauren ZalaznickMore >
Blake Krikorian 1967-2016More >

Leadership

Joana Vicente: CEOMore >

Michelle Satter: Founding Senior Director, Artist ProgramsMore >

Eugene Hernandez, Festival Director and head of public programmingMore >

Sundance Departmental Contacts

Individual Giving

Industry Office

Media Relations

Membership

Indigenous Program

Documentary Film Program

Feature Film Program

Institutional Giving

Human Resources

Ignite Program

Store

Sundance Circle

Outside Legal Counsel

Corey Field, Esq.

Utah Community Program

Legal Department

Interested in working for the Sundance Institute?

Browse available opportunities on the job board.