In 1981, Robert Redford gathered a group of his friends and colleagues in the mountains of Utah to create an environment designed to foster independence, discovery, and new voices in American film. That spring, ten emerging filmmakers were invited to the first Sundance Institute Filmmakers/Directors Lab where they worked with leading writers and directors to develop their original independent film projects. Removed from the pressures of the marketplace in the remote natural setting, each emerging artist was encouraged to take creative risks and to craft a film true to their own unique vision. Since those first labs, the Institute has grown into an internationally recognized resource for thousands of artists.

Volunteering for the Labs requires a significant time commitment as it is a rare opportunity to both witness the creative process and to experience a range of Institute programs. Volunteers are required to be on-site for the entirety of position dates at Sundance Mountain Resort, in shared accommodations provided by the Sundance Institute. Sundance Institute will also provide meals in addition to air and ground transportation to and from the Resort.

Volunteer Applications for the 2022 Summer Labs are now closed. Check back in early 2023 for information and updates regarding volunteer opportunities for the 2023 Labs