We seek to uplift projects from filmmakers with distinct visions and meaningful connections to the work they create. We remain committed to elevating voices beyond our borders, celebrating the rich diversity of filmmaking traditions. We are keen to support stories that contribute to a more equitable, free and just world.

We support feature documentary films (52 minutes and longer) and prioritize budgets under $1.2 million USD excluding distribution and impact expenses. Prior funding or a fiscal sponsor is not required. To ensure the artist’s vision remains central, creative and editorial control must be held by the project’s key creative team.

Due to the significant volume of applications we receive, we are unable to accept resubmissions for previously reviewed projects. Exceptions are made only in instances where a filmmaker has received a formal written invitation from the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program staff to reapply. We encourage you to consult our FAQ for further details on this policy.

Proposals are evaluated on several criteria including: strong artistic vision; creative ambition and craft; accountability and rigor; and contemporary cultural relevance and impact. These are not boxes to be checked, but rather a few aspects we consider when evaluating a proposal. We elaborate on these criteria here.