Labs, Fellowships, Grants, Programs
Labs,
Fellowships,
Grants,
Programs
Support for Independent Storytellers
“Sundance deepens the resolve of artists, bringing them together in a creative community so that they know they are not alone.” — Robert Redford, President and Founder
The Sundance Institute’s artist programs provide dynamic support at every step of the creative journey for individuals with distinct voices in film and episodic storytelling. Each program consists of labs, grants, intensives, sessions, and ongoing resources for artists to nurture their projects and sustain their careers. Through year-round activities, we provide the space for artists to create and share their stories with the world. Since our inception, the Institute’s programs have supported more than 11,000 artists and fostered a community for independent storytellers to learn, grow, connect, and give back.
Labs, Grants, and Fellowships
At the Institute’s core is a commitment to champion the creation of unique work by individual storytellers. Through open applications and by invitation, we offer labs, grants, intensives, mentorships with accomplished professionals, and ongoing support to advance the development, production, and completion of independent work.
We encourage artists from around the world to apply for our programs.
View our open and upcoming applications on our deadlines page.
Artist Accelerator
The Artist Accelerator Program offers opportunities for artists to access funding to advance their projects, build their networks, and grow professionally.
Catalyst
Catalyst introduces prospective financiers to a slate of top-notch, Sundance Institute–supported documentary and fiction projects seeking financing. We aim to build a culture of partnership between independent investors and filmmakers.
Documentary Film
The Documentary Film Program (DFP) provides year-round support to nonfiction filmmakers worldwide in the production of cinematic documentaries on contemporary themes.
Episodic
The Episodic Program provides artists with the tools and training to develop their original series and pilot script.
Feature Film
The Feature Film Program provides year-round support to the next generation of filmmakers and encourages a rigorous creative process with a focus on original and deeply resonant storytelling.
Ignite
Ignite identifies and supports new voices and talent from the next generation of filmmakers ages 18 to 24 and fosters fresh audiences for independent storytelling.
Indigenous Program
Sundance Institute’s commitment to supporting Native American artists is woven throughout our history. The program is designed in response to the specific needs of Native and Indigenous storytellers.
Equity, Impact, and Belonging
The Equity, Impact, and Belonging Program encompasses our initiatives across all programs within our organization to deepen engagement with storytellers and audiences across ethnicities, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, and geographic regions.
Producers Program
The Producers Program supports both fiction and nonfiction producers at all stages of their feature-length projects and their careers through a year-round continuum of support.
Women at Sundance Institute
Women at Sundance Institute is dedicated to providing support to women filmmakers while creating gender equity in American media and innovating ways for women to succeed as storytellers who shape our cultural landscape.
Sundance Collab
Sundance Collab is a free-to-join global learning and storytelling community for creators. The community platform gives filmmakers opportunities to get advice, personalized feedback, and resources while forging new connections with other artists. Learn, share, and connect.
Code of Conduct
All Sundance Institute programs — including our labs, intensives, and sessions — are environments where bold, creative, and distinctive voices are celebrated. Sundance Institute is committed to allowing attendees to experience these programs free of harassment, discrimination, sexism, and threatening or disrespectful behavior. We reserve the right, without notice or refund of any related costs, to limit or revoke access to our programs for those who engage in such conduct. If you are involved in or witness something that violates this code of conduct, please notify someone on our staff, and we will work swiftly and discreetly to take appropriate action. For emergencies, immediately dial 9-1-1.
