Events
Sundance Institute Events
The nonprofit Sundance Institute hosts screenings and events year-round throughout the United States, as well as abroad and online, to celebrate independent storytelling, help artists refine their craft, and reach new audiences. See what’s coming up and RSVP today.
Calendar
March 6
Online
Advisor Studio: A Director’s Guide Through Pre-Production with Robert Mandel
As a director, prepping your film can be just as daunting as making it. Pre-production takes time, a focused schedule, an experienced producer and the right team to get everything in place. And once you have the team, you want to ensure that you all share the same creative and story vision.
In this Advisor Studio, director Robert Mandel will discuss how to effectively communicate with your team – from the casting director to the stunt coordinator. You will also walk away with the tools to be a better leader, and to ensure that the first day you walk onto set will be a harmonious, collaborative experience.
March 8
Online
Spotlight Event: A Conversation with Will Ferrell, Harper Steele, & Josh Greenbaum on WILL & HARPER
When Will Ferrell finds out his close friend and collaborator of 30 years is coming out as a trans woman, the two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship. Filmmaker Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Strays, The Short Game, Becoming Bond), captures it all in an intimate documentary portrait of friendship and transition, Will & Harper.
In this Spotlight Event, Will Ferrell, Harper Steele, and Josh Greenbaum will discuss their collaboration, the challenges of making a road documentary, the importance of participant safety, and finding the laughs across genres.
March 15
Online
Advisor Studio: Inside Higher Ground Productions founded by Barack and Michelle Obama: A Conversation with Tonia Davis
Founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, Higher Ground Productions has quickly made an impact producing critically acclaimed film and television like the Academy Award-winning documentary American Factory.
In this one hour session, Tonia, who serves as Higher Ground’s Head of Film Development & Production, will share more about Higher Ground’s mission, what she looks for in creatives, and her advice from the executive’s perspective on how to balance entertainment with socially conscious storytelling.
March 20
Online
Master Class: Building and Sustaining Your Career as a Writer and Director with Kasi Lemmons
In this live and interactive Master Class with award-winning filmmaker and actor, Kasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou, Talk to Me, Black Nativity, Harriet, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody), we’ll discuss different types of pitches, what not to do, how to navigate set-backs, and general advice for building and sustaining a career as a writer and director.
You will also learn how to best identify and foster your creative voice in order to build a cohesive portfolio. Gleaning from Kasi’s own experience establishing a successful long-running career, this class will give you the tools you need to carve your own path in the film industry.
March 27
Online
Creating the Visual Landscape of THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES with Kobi Libii and Doug Emmett | presented by the Dolby Institute
One of the most important relationships in the filmmaking process is the collaboration of the director and cinematographer. In this discussion centered around the breakout satire, The American Society of Magical Negroes, we explore how they work together to set the tone and tell the story visually.
Glenn Kiser, Director of the Dolby Institute, will moderate a conversation with writer/director Kobi Libii and Sundance Film Festival veteran cinematographer Doug Emmett (Sorry to Bother You, The One I Love). In this session, they will discuss their partnership in creating a cohesive and exciting visual language from pre-production through post.
April 4, 11, 18, 25
Online
2024 Resilient Nation Partnership Network Forum
The Partnership Forum is hosted by FEMA and a different partner organization each year. During this event, we discuss topics across resilience and mitigation. By convening experts who represent all facets of the Whole Community, the Forum is a chance to discuss some of the most complex challenges facing our nation; share lessons learned, best practices and personal stories; and work together on innovative ideas to advance natural hazard resilience.
The virtual series will occur every Thursday in April from 1-3 p.m.
Ongoing
Online
Writers Café: Every Friday
Looking to add a bit of discipline to your writing schedule? Then join us for an hour of dedicated writing every Friday at 9 a.m. PT in our online Sundance Collab Writers’ Cafe.