Labs & Fellowships
Labs
DFP Creative Labs are unique residential workshops that bring together a world-class community of directors, editors and producers dedicated to bold, courageous nonfiction storytelling. The DFP hosts three Labs annually including two Edit & Story Labs and the Documentary Creative Producing Lab. In addition we collaborate with the Sundance Film Music Program to welcome four nonfiction projects to the Music and Sound Design Lab at Skywalker Sound. At each Lab filmmakers work intensively with Advisors and staff in a spirit of experimentation to advance their projects and nurture their creative instincts in a rigorous and supportive environment. Following the Lab, DFP staff provides ongoing customized creative and strategic support throughout the life of the project.
DFP Labs are open to filmmaking teams based in the U.S. We consider teams from outside the U.S. by invitation only. You do not have receive a grant from the Sundance Documentary Fund to be eligible for Labs. Active DFP grantee projects are automatically eligible for all creative Labs.
Fellowships
In addition to creative Labs DFP has developed artist-centered Fellowships including the Art of Nonfiction Fellowship and Nonfiction Critics Fellowship. These Fellowships provide financial support as well as a curated year-long program of events and tailored support designed to refine and deepen Fellows creative practice. Ideal candidates are inventive, creative early to mid-career nonfiction storytellers as well as critics and writers interested in nonfiction. U.S.-based candidates only.
Alumni Support
When a project receives a grant from the Sundance Documentary Film Program, the team is offered a host of informal and formal
support opportunities to nurture the project’s development as well as the artist's career. They are also part of the growing,
global Sundance Alumni community. Grantees are also eligible for Sundance Institute cross-programmatic initiatives such
as the Women’s Initiative and Catalyst Weekend (both are by invitation only). Grantees can also access services provided
by Sundance Institute Creative Partnerships and Alumni Programs.
Alumni Program
With more than 9,000 playwrights, composers, digital media artists, and filmmakers served through Institute programs over
the last 35 years, the Sundance community of independent creators is more far-reaching and vibrant than ever before.
If you have been selected for any Institute lab program or festival, you are a member of this community. Sundance alumni
receive support throughout their careers, including access to tools, resources and advice as well as artist gatherings
and more. Alumni are also encouraged to actively contribute to the Institute’s creative community and to our mission to
discover and develop work from new artists.
Learn more
Catalyst
Sundance Catalyst connects culturally-engaged film investors and funders with highly-anticipated film projects and with the
Sundance community. The goal is to foster a meaningful dialogue that opens new paths to production for the most promising
new independent films and to create a culture where investors and filmmakers can build fertile partnerships for the long-term.
Over three days at the Sundance Resort each September, the invitation-only Catalyst Forum introduces prospective financiers
to a slate of 10-12 top-notch, Sundance-supported documentary and fiction projects seeking financing. Through project presentations,
individually scheduled meetings, and informal social gatherings, investors interface directly with filmmakers, top advisors,
and Sundance program leadership. Additionally, the in-depth program delves into the risks and rewards of film investing
through case studies, round table discussions, special screenings and artist conversations.
Learn more
Creative Distribution Initiative
Sundance Institute's Creative Distribution Initiative - formerly Artist Services - helps independent storytellers build audiences
and sustain careers through innovations in marketing, distribution, and data transparency.
Since launching in 2011, the Initiative has helped over 200 films achieve access to groundbreaking creative distribution
deals, including Columbus, Unrest, First Girl I Loved, Upstream Color, and Detropia. In 2017, the Initiative launched the
Creative Distribution Fellowship, which supported Columbus and Unrest in their pioneering efforts to reach audiences in
lieu of an all-rights distributor.
Learn more
Women's Initiative
Women at Sundance is a multi-faceted initiative dedicated to creating gender equality in American media. We support women
filmmakers to grow and sustain their careers through a year-long Fellowship program, through an annual Financing and Strategy
Workshop, and through Catalyst Women, which provides direct access to prospective investors. We convene networks and communities
of artists, industry, and supporters committed to advancing women behind the camera at our annual Sundance Film Festival
Women’s Brunch and through special events throughout the year.
Learn more
Art of Nonfiction Initiative
Sundance Institute’s Art of Nonfiction Initiative provides creative and financial support for nonfiction filmmakers employing inventive artistic practice in story, craft, and form.
With a focus on recognizing nonfiction filmmakers as creative artists, Sundance Institute has developed two unique support opportunities for filmmakers: the Art of Nonfiction Fellowship and Fund.
Recipients of the Art of Nonfiction Fellowship and Fund are selected on a yearly basis through a curated invitation-only application process. Considered artists must be living or working in the United States. Unsolicited applications are not currently being accepted.
Sundance Institute’s Art of Nonfiction Initiative is made possible by founding support from Cinereach. Generous additional support is provided by Genuine Article Pictures, Nion McEvoy & Leslie Berriman.