Support
Volunteer
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Sundance Institute. We rely on dedicated volunteers from around the world to generously devote their time and commitment to the Sundance Film Festival, our Summer Labs, and our year-round programs that support independent storytelling.
Volunteer for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival
The 2027 Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 21-31, 2027, in Boulder, Colorado!
Volunteering for the Sundance Film Festival is truly a one-of-a-kind experience! Every year, volunteers (most of whom return again and again) help create a global platform to celebrate independent film by collaborating with one another and supporting the mission behind what we do. The real benefit of volunteering isn’t the perks or even the films—it’s being part of a passionate community dedicated to supporting independent art and providing positive experiences for all.
Applications to volunteer at the 2027 Sundance Film Festival will open on August 31, 2026! Review the information below to learn more about how to get involved before it’s time to apply. Feel free to contact us at volunteers@sundance.org if you have any questions and check back often for more updates!
Attend an Information Session!
We’re hosting regular Volunteer Information Sessions via Zoom which will review the basics of the Festival, our Volunteer Program, and how to get involved. We invite anyone interested in volunteering to attend these optional info sessions before completing an application. We will send the Zoom link and other access details the Monday prior to each session. Our team plans to cover the same content for each date, so you only need to attend one!
RSVP for one of the following dates and times at the link below:
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – 1PM to 2PM MT
- Thursday, August 13, 2026 – 5:30PM to 6:30PM MT
- Wednesday, September 2, 2026 – 5:30pm to 6:30pm MT
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – 5:30pm to 6:30pm MT
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – 5:30pm to 6:30pm MT
Volunteer Commitment Levels
We have two overall volunteer types and four different commitment levels available for Volunteer roles:
Assigned Schedules
- Full Festival Volunteers: For those who want to engage across the entire Festival, often from the opening night to final cleanup! Full Festival volunteers could have 9 to 11+ shifts over the course of the Festival and will receive a predetermined, assigned schedule based on venue/department needs and Festival programming. Specific dates may vary based on role, but volunteers should plan for a schedule that covers the full Festival or close to full Festival duration, from Wednesday, January 20, 2027 through Monday, February 1, 2027. Required training and shifts outside of this date range are role dependent and subject to change.
- Half Festival Volunteers: Join the crew for a dedicated timeframe and see a specific chapter of the Festival come to life! Most Half Festival volunteer roles require daily, consecutive shifts during the assigned time frame (typically 6-8 shifts over the first week, but may be split up throughout the course of the Festival). Assigned schedules are based on venue/team needs and Festival programming. Required training and shifts outside of this date range are role dependent and subject to change.
Sign Up Schedules
- Sign Up Volunteers: Our most flexible option! Sign Up Volunteers review the set schedules for their assigned team, and pick up shifts that work best within their availability. Ideal for those who want to contribute to the story without the full runtime, and perfect for locals or those traveling in for a few days but who want to make their mark on the Festival!
- Requirement: 4 shifts or 24 hours of service (whichever comes first) over the course of the Festival. Shifts are based on venue/team needs and Festival programming, and Sign Up Volunteers can pick up more shifts to earn additional benefits!
- Student Volunteers: Designed for those currently balancing their education with professional growth! It’s a lighter runtime to accommodate academic commitments while still supporting the Festival and gaining industry-standard experience. Student Volunteers (just like Sign Up Volunteers) can review the set schedules for their assigned team, and pick up shifts that work best within their availability.
- Requirements: 3 shifts or 18 hours of service (whichever comes first) over the course of the Festival. Applicants may be asked to verify active student status. Additional educational requirements may be included but subject to and determined by the university or academic program.
- Shifts are based on venue/team needs and Festival programming, and Student Volunteers can pick up more shifts to earn additional benefits!
Volunteer Roles
Volunteers help support nearly every team at the Festival! For a full overview of the application process as well as all the different departments, roles, and opportunities available, take a moment to read our 2027 Festival Volunteer Catalog linked here. There are a variety of options that could match your interests, experience and availability, so take a moment to understand what we offer before applying and be prepared to note your preferences in you Volunteer application!
Volunteer Benefits
Outside of joining a passionate community, Volunteers receive a range of benefits and opportunities to enjoy the Festival:
- Film Access: Earn free tickets to screenings via the Volunteer/Staff Line or public waitlist. Amounts vary by commitment level.
- Exclusive Events and Screenings: Access to volunteer-only screenings, the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party and other events.
- Grub Stub Meal Vouchers: Receive free meals at participating restaurants city-wide. Amounts vary by commitment level.
- Gear & Swag: Official Festival Gear Pack provided at check-in (historically a Volunteer Jacket among other items).
- PLUS MORE!
Deadlines
The 2027 Festival Volunteer Application opens on August 31, 2026!
- Application Deadline
- While we don’t have a set deadline for applications, we encourage anyone interested to apply as soon as possible. We typically close applications in December based on the total number we receive and placement progress.
- Managerial Interest Deadline: September 18, 2026
- If you are interested in a management or leadership position at the Festival, please apply by this deadline to help our team begin locking in our management roles early on.
- Alumni Priority Application Deadline: October 2, 2026
- If you’ve volunteered with us previously at the Festival or through another program, applying before this deadline helps to lock in priority for past roles as applicable and available. Alumni can still apply after the deadline, but may lose priority for the position they held last.
- Cancellation Deadline: December 13, 2026
- If you have been confirmed to volunteer, canceling after this deadline may impact your standing with us for future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will I be notified if I’m accepted as a Volunteer? We start placing volunteers in September and October, with final decisions made by the beginning of January at the latest. If not selected for this year’s Festival, applicants can expect to receive updates via email starting in December.
How do I learn about employment or internship opportunities with the Festival? For more information about Festival jobs, you can visit our careers page at sundance.org/jobs to learn more.
How do I go about confirming lodging for the Festival? If you need assistance finding and securing lodging for the Festival, we encourage you to check out the Sundance Film Festival’s Lodging website linked here, where you will be able to search for options that work for you and your availability.
Volunteer Application and Timeline
Download our Application and Onboarding Checklist linked here for a step-by-step guide on how to become a Festival Volunteer!
1. Review Info
From Now Until You Apply
Before you apply, take a moment to read all of our materials, pick your commitment level, and confirm your lodging status. Click on the icon for a full breakdown of our available roles, Volunteer types, and information about lodging!
2. Apply
August to December
The 2027 Festival Volunteer Application will open on August 31, 2026!
Review the rest of the information on our website to learn more about the placement process before our application launches at the end of the summer. Click on the icon to read about what we look for in an application!
3. Waiting Period & Placement
August to January
Our team of Volunteer Coordinators start in the fall, so applicants should expect to wait for placement until September or October while we review each application.
Until all roles have been filled, applicants could receive a phone call or email from a our team to discuss options, review details, and confirm role placement.
4. Scheduling &
Training
December to January
After applicants confirm their Volunteer role for the Festival, the next step is to complete required training and build their Volunteer schedule.
Schedules and training are based on the role that’s been assigned and the Volunteer’s commitment level, so click the icon to read more about what to expect at this stage of the process!
5. Prepare for
the Festival!
January
Once Volunteers have completed all the necessary steps, it’s time to start preparing for the Festival!
Before Day 1 starts, the Volunteer Resources Team hosts several days of Volunteer Check-In, which Volunteers will receive their credential, benefits, and other important information. Click on the icon to learn how to make the most of your Festival experience!
Volunteer for the Sundance Institute Labs
For the Sundance Institute Directors Lab, invited up-and-coming artists (called Lab Fellows) will rehearse, shoot and edit scenes from their screenplays under the mentorship of accomplished Creative Advisors. Surrounded by seasoned professionals, yet removed from the typical pressures of production, Lab Fellows are offered a unique opportunity to see the script “on its feet,” develop skills, and take risks. Volunteers have the opportunity to support the program by being a part of a Fellow’s production Crew or by joining the Operations team.
Applications to Volunteer at the Sundance Institute Directors Labs are now closed! We typically launch our application process in the spring once the Festival season concludes, so stay tuned for more information on how to get involved.
Contact Us
If you have questions that are not addressed above, please feel free to contact us via email volunteers@sundance.org or call the Volunteer Resources Team at (435) 776-7870. Our working hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MT.