Feature Film Program

Feature

Film

The Sundance Institute Feature Film Program (FFP) has championed leading independent filmmakers of the past 40 years whose distinctive films have engaged audiences worldwide. Embracing each artist’s unique vision, the program encourages a rigorous, in-depth creative process while focusing on original and deeply resonant storytelling. The Institute’s guiding values of risk-taking, community, and freedom of expression have broadened the FFP to include American and international artists in a more meaningful and vibrant dialogue across cultural, political, and geographic boundaries. For years, the program has provided year-round support to the next generation of filmmakers from development through distribution, becoming a global model for supporting artists everywhere.

“

The Institute has a huge amount of respect for the artist and for what he/she wants to say. In the lab we’re reminded of the power of our writing and our responsibility as filmmakers. We live in a society, and our work inevitably will have some sort of impact in the world. Words are powerful, and we are constantly reminded of that.”

Edson Oda

2017 January Screenwriters Lab Fellow & Writer/Director of NINE DAYS

Feature Film Program Calendar

Development Track: Labs, Intensives, and Fellowships

The 2026 Development Track application will open April 15, 2025 and close May 14, 2025. The Development Track and Directors and Screenwriters Lab help filmmakers find a visual language in an atmosphere where experimentation and risk-taking is encouraged. The development track has one open application that allows the artists’ work-in-progress fiction feature screenplay to be considered for programs, fellowships, and grants. Meanwhile, the Directors and Screenwriters Lab is a month-long program where eight fellows work with accomplished creative advisors throughout the entire filmmaking process. Immediately following the Directors Lab, The Screenwriters Lab will provide a rigorous schedule of one-on-one story sessions with advisors to help further advance their scripts. Read our FAQ’s.

Upcoming Opportunities

Location Details

Dates

January Screenwriters Lab

Sundance, UT

2026

Screenwriters Intensive

Online

2026

Sundance Institute Comedy Fellowship

dependent on program placement

2026

Sundance Institute Horror Fellowship

dependent on program placement

2025

Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant and Fellowship

dependent on program placement

2026

June Directors and Screenwriters Lab

*By invitation only

Directors Lab: Stanley Hotel | Estes Park, CO

Screenwriters Lab: Online

June 1 — June 16 2025

Featured Projects

Dìdi (弟弟)

2024 Sundance Film Festival – U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast, 2023 June Directors and Screenwriters Lab, 2023 January Screenwriters Lab

Coming Soon

The American Society of Magical Negroes

2024 Sundance Film Festival – Premieres, 2019 June Directors and Screenwriters Lab, 2019 January Screenwriters Lab

Find Online

A Thousand and One

2023 Sundance Film Festival – Grand Jury Prize, 2019 June Directors and Screenwriters Lab, 2019 January Screenwriters Lab

Find Online

Fancy Dance

2023 Sundance Film Festival – U.S. Dramatic Competition, 2021 June Directors and Screenwriters Lab, 2021 January Screenwriters Lab, 2021 Creative Producing Lab

Find Online

International Work

In 1990, the Feature Film Program made a commitment to support a vibrant dialogue across cultures by including international filmmakers as part of its core program. Since then, the FFP has supported award-winning artists from over eighty countries through Screenwriting and Directors Labs based in the U.S., year-round creative and strategic support, and fellowship programs. These Labs are enriched by emerging artists whose projects are deeply rooted in the personal and cultural history of voices in filmmaking from around the world.

The FFP’s ongoing partnerships with international organizations are supporting the next generation of filmmakers and producers from the Global South as we expand on our legacy of Screenwriters Labs in Brazil, Cuba, Greece, India, Jordan, Mexico and Turkey. We are currently building a multi-year program in Latin America, Africa and MENA to support filmmakers working across fiction and non-fiction, as well as episodic and emerging media formats. Through Sundance Co//ab, our community digital platform, we offer live webinars with leading Latin American filmmakers in Spanish language, and will soon provide learning opportunities in Arabic.

The Feature Film Program has supported artists from over 60 countries including:

Guillermo del Toro (Mexico)

Alfonso Cuarón (Mexico)

Ritesh Batra (India)

Jonas Carpignano (Italy)

Chaitanya Tamhane (India)

Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre (France)

Dominga Sotomayor (Chile)

Lynne Ramsay (UK)

Tatiana Huezo (Mexico)

Remi Weekes (UK)

Maimouna Doucoure (France)

Andrey Zvyagintsev (Russia)

Ongoing Alumni Support

Project Support Continuum

After participation in one of the Labs, FFP Fellows will continue to receive a robust suite of customized creative and tactical assistance as they move forward from development through distribution. In many cases, the Institute has helped Fellows attach producers, identify potential financiers, and assemble significant resources to advance their projects. Specific ways the program supports developing filmmakers include: ongoing creative and strategic support, designated mentors, key crew and producer recommendations, and the Works-In-Progress Screening Initiative.

Works-In-Progress Screening Initiative More >

CatalystMore >

Producing SummitMore >

FFP Fund

Sundance Institute provides over $300,000 annually to support FFP alumni through a robust program of fellowships and direct artist granting. This is designed to give lab-supported projects momentum at critical junctures in their development, pre-production, post-production, and distribution/marketing stages. Fellowships and grants are funded through partnerships with generous foundations, film industry companies, and individuals committed to the work of sustaining artists and advancing their projects as they journey to connect with audiences. The FFP staff work together with these partners to award funds, as they consider impact, timing, urgency, and quality of work as key criteria.

Dolby Family Sound FellowshipMore >

Sundance Institute/NHK AwardMore >

Maryland Film FellowshipMore >

Adrienne Shelly Foundation Women Filmmakers GrantMore >

Lynn Auerbach Screenwriting FellowshipMore >

Walter Bernstein Screenwriting Fellowship More >

Sundance Institute | Maja Kristin Directing FellowshipMore >

Sally Menke Memorial Editing FellowshipMore >

Support for the Feature Film Program

explore.org, a direct charitable activity of the Annenberg Foundation

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

Amazon Studios

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)

United Airlines

Hartbeat

Maja Kristin

The Walt Disney Company

NBCUniversal

Hollywood Foreign Press Association

Karen Lauder

Ray and Dagmar Dolby Fund

National Endowment for the Arts

NHK/NHK Enterprises, Inc.

Kimberly Steward–K Period Media

SAGindie

Directors Guild of America

Rosalie Swedlin and Robert Cort

Deborah Reinisch and Michael Theodore Fund

Octavia Spencer

Scott and Jennifer Frank

Photo Gallery

A look inside our Feature Film Program Labs and Intensives

Application	By invitation only.
Dates	2024 Directors Lab: May 7–May 22, 2024.
Size of Lab	Eight projects are selected for the Directors and Screenwriters Lab.
Location	Directors Lab: Stanley Hotel \| Estes Park, CO Screenwriters Lab: Online
Eligibility	There is no open application available for these Labs, which are typically populated by projects that have already been supported via a prior Institute program such as the Screenwriters Lab, Intensive, or grant. The lab supports first-time fiction feature directors; application to the development track is the best way to put your project into the pipeline of eventual consideration for the Directors and Screenwriters Lab.
Cost	Beyond the application fee, we do not charge for participation in our programs. When the June Directors and Screenwriters Lab is held in Utah or elsewhere, we cover the cost of travel, accommodations, and food for up to two participants per project. In return for participation in the June Directors and Screenwriters Lab, you will be asked to continue the spirit of giving back. We request that lab alumni whose projects are produced contribute to the Institute’s work to support new generations of emerging filmmakers. For all projects supported at the Directors Lab or both the Screenwriters Lab and the Directors Lab, the following financial contribution provisions apply: If the project is produced for a gross budget equal to or less than one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000), no contribution is due to the Institute. If the project is produced for a gross budget between one Million five Hundred thousand one dollars ($1,500,001) and three million dollars ($3,000,000), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in an amount of four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project. If the project is produced for a gross budget is between three million one dollars ($3,000,001) and five million dollars ($5,000,000), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in an amount of seven thousand dollars ($7,000), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project. If the project is produced for a gross budget that is equal to or exceeds five million one dollars ($5,000,001), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in an amount of nine thousand five hundred dollars ($9,500), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project. All payments are due within 10 business days of the start of principal photography. Any revenue that is designated to Sundance Institute is allocated to the Feature Film Program and is used on an annual basis to provide critical support for the labs. Your ability to give back really makes a difference. Additionally, Sundance Institute will receive a credit line and logo placement in the film’s end titles, “This film was supported by the Sundance Institute Feature Film Film Program.”
Description	During the month-long Lab, eight fellows work with a group of accomplished advisors and professional production crews, rehearsing, shooting, and editing key scenes from their scripts. This intense, hands-on process, will allow fellows to workshop scenes, collaborate with actors, and find a visual language for their film — all in an atmosphere where experimentation and risk-taking is encouraged. The Screenwriters Lab immediately follows the Directors Lab, providing fellows with a rigorous schedule of one-on-one story sessions with advisors to help further advance their scripts.

Eligibility	Writers or writer/directors developing their first or second fiction feature film that have applied to the 2025 Development Track are eligible. If you have questions regarding the Sundance Institute Comedy Fellowship, please read the development track FAQ below or email us at featurefilmprogram@sundance.org.
Description	The Sundance Institute Comedy Fellowship provides targeted support to the next generation of diverse, culturally relevant comedic voices. Supporting one artist/project that will participate in either the January Screenwriters Lab or March Screenwriters Intensive, the program also includes an unrestricted grant and customized mentorship from FFP staff.

Dates	March 2026
Size of Lab	10 projects are selected for the Screenwriters Intensive.
Location	Online
Eligibility	The Screenwriters Intensive supports writers, writer/directors, and writer/director teams from underrepresented communities who are developing a first fiction feature screenplay. Typically, the majority of artists selected for the Screenwriters Intensive are U.S.-based, but international artists may be considered.
Cost	Beyond the application fee, we do not charge for participation in our programs. In return for participation in the Screenwriters Intensive, you will be asked to continue the spirit of giving back. We request that alumni whose projects are produced contribute to the Institute’s work to support new generations of emerging filmmakers. If the project is produced for a gross budget that is equal to or less than one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000), no contribution is due to the Institute. If the project is produced for a gross budget between one million five hundred thousand one dollars ($1,500,001) and three million dollars ($3,000,000), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project. If the project is produced for a gross budget between three million one dollars ($3,000,001) and five million dollars ($5,000,000), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project. If the project is produced for a gross budget that is equal to or exceeds five million one dollars ($5,000,001), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in the amount of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project. Additionally, Sundance Institute will receive a credit line and logo placement in the film’s end titles, “This film was supported by the Sundance Institute Feature Film Film Program.”
Description	The Screenwriters Intensive provides emerging screenwriters with the opportunity to hone their craft in a two-day concentrated workshop. The program supports 10-12 writers or writer/directors from underrepresented communities who are developing a fiction feature screenplay. Like the residency labs, the Screenwriters Intensive focuses on the creative process while fostering community among the participants. It includes a hands-on writing workshop, group conversations about the art and craft of screenwriting, and two one-on-one script feedback sessions with creative advisors.

Dates	January 2026
Size of Lab	Ten projects are selected for the Screenwriters Lab.
Location	Sundance Resort \| Sundance, Utah
Eligibility	The Screenwriters Lab supports writers, writer/directors, and writer/director teams developing their first or second fiction feature film. If you previously had more than one fiction feature produced, you are not eligible to apply. International projects must have a director attached.
Cost	Beyond the application fee, we do not charge for participation in our programs. When the Screenwriters Lab is held in Utah, we cover the cost of travel, accommodations, and food for up to two participants per project. In return for participation in the January Screenwriters Lab, you will be asked to continue the spirit of giving back. We request that lab alumni whose projects are produced contribute to the Institute’s work to support new generations of emerging filmmakers. If the Project is produced for a gross budget equal to or less than $1,500,000, no contribution is due to the Institute. If the Project is produced for a gross budget between $1,500,01 and $3,000,000, the Owner will make a contribution to Sundance Institute in an amount of $2,500. If the project is produced for a gross budget between $3,000,001 and $5,000,000, the Owner will make a contribution to Sundance Institute in an amount of $5,000, which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project. If the project is produced for a gross budget that is equal to or exceeds $5,000,001, the Owner will make a contribution to Sundance Institute in an amount of $7,500, which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project. All payments are due within 10 business days of the start of principal photography. Any revenue that is designated to Sundance Institute is allocated to the Feature Film Program and is used on an annual basis to provide critical support for the labs. Your ability to give back really makes a difference. Additionally, Sundance Institute will receive a credit line and logo placement in the film’s end titles, “This film was supported by the Sundance Institute Feature Film Film Program.”
Description	A five-day workshop for independent screenwriters as part of the development track. Fellows will have the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established writers.

Application	Applications for the 2024 Development Track will be open April 14–May 15, 2023. Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis as to whether their application has progressed to the next stage of the selection process by August 31, 2023.
Eligibility	Our application includes questions to determine your eligibility for each program and fellowship, and you will automatically be considered for all programs for which you are eligible. (There is no open application for the Directors Lab, which is typically populated by projects supported through a previous development program.)
Cost	$40.00
Description	For fiction feature writers, directors, writer/directors, or writer/director teams, apply for support from the FFP through the development track (for projects in the screenplay development stage). There is one application for both U.S. and international applicants; regardless of where you are based, you can submit your work using this application.

Feature Film Program

“

Feature Film Program Calendar

Development Track: Labs, Intensives, and Fellowships

Featured Projects

Dìdi (弟弟)

The American Society of Magical Negroes

A Thousand and One

Fancy Dance

birth/rebirth

Mutt

Cassandro

Aftersun

International Work

The Feature Film Program has supported artists from over 60 countries including:

Ongoing Alumni Support

Project Support Continuum

FFP Fund

Support for the Feature Film Program

Photo Gallery

Apply

Attend

Explore

Support

About Sundance Institute

Contact Us

Sundance Institute Horror Fellowship

Catalyst

Works-In-Progress Screening Initiative​

Sally Menke Memorial Editing Fellowship

Sundance Institute | Maja Kristin Directing Fellowship

Walter Bernstein Screenwriting Fellowship

Lynn Auerbach Screenwriting Fellowship

Adrienne Shelly Foundation Women Filmmakers Grant

Maryland Film Fellowship

Sundance Institute/NHK Award

Dolby Family Sound Fellowship

Producing Summit

Development Track FAQ

Directors and Screenwriters Lab (by invitation only)

Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant and Fellowship

Sundance Institute Comedy Fellowship

Screenwriters Intensive

Screenwriters Lab

Development Track​

Endowment Support

Works-In-Progress Screening Initiative

Development Track