Dear Sundance Community,

Each year, the Sundance Film Festival team watches and discusses thousands of  submissions from around the world to shape the annual program for the upcoming Festival. It’s an opportunity to reflect on this moment in independent film, marvel at the immense volume of work produced by some of the world’s most talented storytellers, and discover a group of artists as we look to the future. 

Having just surveyed the state of filmmaking worldwide, we can confidently say that, despite a brutal climate for film financing and upheaval in the distribution landscape, fiercely independent artists continue to create boldly and with originality. The determination, resilience, and boundless creativity of these filmmakers underscores the urgency of Sundance Institute’s core mission: to support artists and ensure that storytellers everywhere can sustain themselves through their work, and connect them with audiences. 

We’re proud that in the last year alone, through the Sundance Labs, artist granting, fellowships, intensives, and the Festival, the Sundance Institute provided support to a diverse community of nearly 1,500 artists. Of those who voluntarily shared their backgrounds, 64 percent are artists of color, 55 percent are women, 41 percent identify as LGBTQIA, 6 percent as transgender, and 8 percent have a disability. The voices and perspectives of these artists have never been more essential. 

When our community gathers in January for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, we will be coming together in a moment when our country’s political divides feel more deeply entrenched than ever, the future of our industry more opaque, and the challenges of creating fiercely independent work perhaps more daunting. Yet, in such moments of uncertainty, we look to the arts and artists to help us find meaning, understand the past, and imagine our future. It’s clear 2025 will be a year of electric, meaningful, and deeply personal storytelling — the type of storytelling festivals are made for, and the type of storytelling we need in this moment. 

After all, there is nothing quite like the feeling of connection when watching films together and engaging with work that fosters empathy, challenges us, and shines a light on perspectives from across cultures and around the world. We know that spaces dedicated to free expression, authenticity, innovation, inclusivity, and community have a vital and enduring role to play, especially now. We are proud that the Sundance Film Festival is and will always be home for meaningful and respectful dialogue, passionate exchanges of ideas, and a celebration of our shared humanity. 

We can’t wait to share more about the 2025 Sundance Film Festival program with you in the coming weeks. For now, though, we wanted to let you know how moved we are by this early glimpse of what the coming year holds for independent artists and audiences alike. We look forward to being together in just two months. 

Sincerely,

Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO

Eugene Hernandez, Director, Sundance Film Festival & Public Programming

P.S. It’s not too late to make plans to join us in January, in person or from home! Passes and packages are still available.