Talent Forum

About Talent Forum

Sundance Institute Talent Forum connects industry professionals with a diverse and bold array of artists and projects from across the Institute’s renowned lab programs and Festival. Taking place over three days during the Sundance Film Festival, Talent Forum meaningfully advances the projects and careers of curated artists in fiction and nonfiction by offering a focused community, bespoke connections, and unique access to all parts of the Festival. The next edition will take place from Tuesday, January 28, through Thursday, January 30, at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

Recent Alumni

Last year, Talent Forum brought together artists and projects from over 40 countries to meet with financiers, distributors, producers, executives, funders, and festival programmers from around the world. Those presenting new work included filmmakers with such notable credits as Beasts of the Southern Wild, Strong Island, Spa Night, and Life, Animated, as well as artists embarking on their first features. Talent Forum panels spotlighted renowned artists including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Alma Har'el (Honey Boy), and Jeff Orlowski (Chasing Ice). The full list of 2020 Sundance Institute Talent Forum Fellows and projects is available HERE.

Industry FAQ

• How can I participate in Talent Forum?

  Industry members, including financiers, distributors, producers, executives, funders, and festival programmers from around the world, will receive an invitation to Talent Forum in Fall 2019.

• Why participate in Talent Forum?

  The forum offers unique early access to original voices and innovative new work. Participating artists and projects will be seeking everything from career advice and creative collaborators to financing partners, representation, and distribution. We curate over 1,000 customized meetings between artists and industry members, alongside informal activities where industry members can discover new voices, build dynamic networks, and get a taste of both the Sundance Film Festival experience and Sundance Institute’s work at large.

Artist FAQ

• How can I participate in Talent Forum?

  There is no open application for this program at this time; selected artists will receive an invitation in October 2019. Select Sundance Institute fellows and filmmakers premiering work at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival are eligible to attend. Invited artists will present fiction, nonfiction, and new media projects at all stages of development.

• Does it cost anything to participate?

  There is no fee to participate in the Sundance Institute Talent Forum. Invited artists will receive a stipend for travel and lodging.

• Why participate in Talent Forum?

  The forum provides artists with unique access to industry and education, while immersing them in an inspiring and generative environment that helps expand and build community.

Contact

Please email us at TalentForum@Sundance.org with any questions.