Support
Alumni
Support
Alumni
Since 1981, Sundance Institute has fostered several generations
of risk-taking, visionary artists through our labs, fellowships,
grants, funds, and the Sundance Film Festival. Today, over 15,000
artists make up the Institute’s ever-growing community of artists,
bound by a shared commitment to support independent
storytelling.
We offer Alumni:
- Alumni Festival ticket benefits
- Ongoing creative and strategic guidance for Institute-
supported projects—from development through
completion. - Opportunities to mentor with Sundance Institute Collab
- And more
Have questions about our alumni resources or how to get involved? Email us at collective@sundance.org
Alumni Resources
Sundance Institute alumni are eligible for several grants and funds offered by the Institute through many different artist programs and fellowships.
Paid Opportunities
Sundance Collab Mentorship and Advising
Sundance Collab, the online community and learning platform from the Sundance Institute made up of over 100,000 artists from all over the world, is offering year-round online courses.Central to the platform’s success are Sundance Institute alumni. Hundreds ofartists have shared their expertise on
Sundance Collab in myriad roles, including course instructor, guest advisor, challenge judge, and webinar panelist.
If you would like to join your peers and contribute to Sundance Collab’s continued growth as a mentor or creative advisor, please reach out to collab_courses@sundance.org.
Recognition for Supported Work
Sundance Film Festival Laurels
All films and projects showcased at the Sundance Film Festival are eligible for Festival laurels. For inquiries regarding laurels, please email us at laurels@sundance.org.
Service and Volunteerism
Lab Mentorships
Sundance Institute is proud of its artist community and seeks to foster cross-generational, cross-program collaborations to advance the careers of independent artists. There are plenty of ongoing opportunities for Sundance Institute Alumni to get involved as mentors and creative advisors in our various programs.
*by invitation only
Support Independent Storytelling
Every dollar that goes to the nonprofit Sundance Institute goes to nurturing and growing the careers of independent storytellers the world over. Donations that come into the Institute make an immediate difference, as they’re immediately dispersed into our industry-leading artist development programs as well as vital grants and funds.
If you’re ready to pay it forward and support the newest generation of independent storytellers, we encourage you to participate in giving back at a level that is right for you.
Collective Resource Guide
We provide Sundance Institute Collective artists access to a comprehensive list of resources outlined in eight core categories: financing, paid opportunities, artistic collaborations, professional development, industry access, service and volunteerism, status, philanthropy, and the Sundance Film Festival. If you have additional questions about the resources listed below, please contact us at collective@sundance.org.
Sundance Film Festival
We offer a tailored experience to Collective artists at the Sundance Film Festival every year. Check back for more details for 2026.
Financial Support
Opportunities that lead to direct or indirect funding.
Sundance Institute Grants and Funds
Sundance Institute Collective artists are eligible for several grants offered by the Institute through many different artist programs and fellowships.
Catalyst Forum
Catalyst builds a culture of partnership between independent investors and filmmakers through a commitment to mutual understanding and business education. Each year, we endeavor to unlock funding for a slate of ambitious new independent film projects and to grow the community of supporters. Catalyst trains filmmakers to effectively present their films for independent financing through project, pitch, and budgetary feedback; access to mentorship; and continued support through ongoing relationships with funding partners. Sundance Institute Collective artists are uniquely eligible for this opportunity, and applications are solicited by invitation.
*by invitation only
Women In Film Financing and Strategy Intensive
Every spring, Women at Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles present a Financing and Strategy Intensive designed to help women filmmakers representing 15–20 fiction and nonfiction projects hone their confidence and presentation skills; craft stronger pitches; formulate actionable, strategic steps to meaningfully advance and fund their projects; and interface with potential financiers and partners.
*by invitation only
Additional Funding Opportunities
Find additional funding opportunities provided by Sundance Institute and other organizations supporting independent storytelling via the Sundance Collab opportunities page.
Paid Opportunities
Sundance Institute Jobs and Internships
Whether it’s through the daily operations of our offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Park City, or a temporary engagement through our Festival and labs, joining our team will give you an opportunity to serve an ever-growing network of risk-taking, innovative artists. As a Sundance Institute Collective artist, your voice provides a unique perspective that helps us create sustainable strategies to advance our commitment to supporting independent storytelling.
Paid Opportunities
Collab Mentorship and Advising
Sundance Collab, the online platform for independent storytellers worldwide to learn, share, and connect, is expanding Sundance Institute’s artist-centered programs beyond residential labs. In less than a year, more than 20,000 artists from more than 180 countries have registered for access to the site’s many learning and community resources.
Central to the platform’s success are Sundance Institute Collective members. To date, more than 200 artists have shared their expertise in a myriad of roles, including course instructor, guest advisor, challenge judge, and webinar panelist.
If you would like to join your peers and contribute to Sundance Collab’s continued growth as a mentor or creative advisor, we invite you to complete this online form.
Professional Development
Written Resources
Explore our archive of valuable templates, real-life samples, and written resources provided by Sundance Institute–supported artists.
Industry Access and Networking
Peer-to-Peer Networking
Sundance Institute Collective artists can take advantage of personal email introductions to artists across disciplines, generations, and regions; Sundance Institute also hosts a variety of networking events throughout the year. You’re also invited to join our Sundance Institute Collective Facebook group, where you can connect with fellow artists, discuss industry topics, and share resources.
Recognition for Supported Work
Sundance Film Festival Laurels
All films and projects showcased at the Sundance Film Festival are eligible for Festival laurels. For inquiries regarding laurels, please email us at laurels@sundance.org.
Service and Volunteerism
Lab Mentorships
Sundance Institute is proud of its artist community and seeks to foster cross-generational, cross-program collaborations to advance the careers of independent artists. There are plenty of ongoing opportunities for Sundance Institute Collective artists to get involved as mentors and creative advisors in our various programs.
*by invitation only
Service and Volunteerism
Ignite Mentorships
Ignite identifies and supports young independent filmmakers ages 18-25 through a year-long fellowship and mentoring program and access to the Sundance Film Festival.
Mentors play a big part in the program, committing to supporting two fellows in the development of their craft and advancement of their careers. Mentors also help the Ignite team select 15 fellows each session.
*by invitation only
Support Independent Storytelling
Opportunities to support independent artists.
Every dollar that goes to the nonprofit Sundance Institute goes to nurturing and growing the careers of independent storytellers the world over. Donations that come into the Institute make an immediate difference, as they’re immediately dispersed into our industry-leading artist development programs as well as vital grants and funds.
If you’re ready to support the next generation of independent storytellers, we encourage you to participate in giving back at a level that is right for you.