Support
Alumni
Support
Alumni
Since 1981, Sundance Institute has fostered several generations of risk-taking, visionary artists in filmmaking, theatre, and innovative technologies through our labs, fellowships, grants, funds, and the Sundance Film Festival. Today, over 13,000 artists make up the Institute’s ever-growing community of artists, bound by a shared commitment to support independent storytelling.
In summer 2020, we expanded our Alumni Program to include artists, advisors, mentors, Festival jury members, and select industry professionals with ties to the Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Collab, and various Festival artist programs. Now known as Sundance Institute Collective, the group exists to offer increased networking opportunities, artist resources, and beyond.
Through the Collective, we offer a continuum of support to artists throughout all stages of their careers, providing comprehensive resources and experiences that range from applying for granting and industry access to professional development and peer-to-peer mentorship.
Have a memory you want to share about your Sundance experience—a Festival screening, a lab you attended, a moment you shared with someone? We want to hear it and help you share it through the Your Story project.
Collective Resource Guide
We provide Sundance Institute Collective artists access to a comprehensive list of resources outlined in eight core categories: financing, paid opportunities, artistic collaborations, professional development, industry access, service and volunteerism, status, philanthropy, and the Sundance Film Festival. If you have additional questions about the resources listed below, please contact us at collective@sundance.org.
Sundance Film Festival
We offer a tailored experience to Collective artists at the Sundance Film Festival every year. Check back for more details for 2023.
Financial Support
Opportunities that lead to direct or indirect funding.
Sundance Institute Grants and Funds
Sundance Institute Collective artists are eligible for several grants offered by the Institute through many different artist programs and fellowships.
Catalyst Forum
Catalyst builds a culture of partnership between independent investors and filmmakers through a commitment to mutual understanding and business education. Each year, we endeavor to unlock funding for a slate of ambitious new independent film projects and to grow the community of supporters. Catalyst trains filmmakers to effectively present their films for independent financing through project, pitch, and budgetary feedback; access to mentorship; and continued support through ongoing relationships with funding partners. Sundance Institute Collective artists are uniquely eligible for this opportunity, and applications are solicited by invitation.
*by invitation only
Women In Film Financing and Strategy Intensive
Every spring, Women at Sundance and Women In Film Los Angeles present a Financing and Strategy Intensive designed to help women filmmakers representing 15–20 fiction and nonfiction projects hone their confidence and presentation skills; craft stronger pitches; formulate actionable, strategic steps to meaningfully advance and fund their projects; and interface with potential financiers and partners.
*by invitation only
Additional Funding Opportunities
Find additional funding opportunities provided by Sundance Institute and other organizations supporting independent storytelling via the Sundance Collab opportunities page.
Paid Opportunities
Sundance Institute Jobs and Internships
Whether it’s through the daily operations of our offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Park City, or a temporary engagement through our Festival and labs, joining our team will give you an opportunity to serve an ever-growing network of risk-taking, innovative artists. As a Sundance Institute Collective artist, your voice provides a unique perspective that helps us create sustainable strategies to advance our commitment to supporting independent storytelling.
Paid Opportunities
Collab Mentorship and Advising
Sundance Collab, the online platform for independent storytellers worldwide to learn, share, and connect, is expanding Sundance Institute’s artist-centered programs beyond residential labs. In less than a year, more than 20,000 artists from more than 180 countries have registered for access to the site’s many learning and community resources.
Central to the platform’s success are Sundance Institute Collective members. To date, more than 200 artists have shared their expertise in a myriad of roles, including course instructor, guest advisor, challenge judge, and webinar panelist.
If you would like to join your peers and contribute to Sundance Collab’s continued growth as a mentor or creative advisor, we invite you to complete this online form.
Professional Development
Written Resources
Explore our archive of valuable templates, real-life samples, and written resources provided by Sundance Institute–supported artists.
Industry Access and Networking
Peer-to-Peer Networking
Sundance Institute Collective artists can take advantage of personal email introductions to artists across disciplines, generations, and regions; Sundance Institute also hosts a variety of networking events throughout the year. You’re also invited to join our Sundance Institute Collective Facebook group, where you can connect with fellow artists, discuss industry topics, and share resources.
Recognition for Supported Work
Sundance Film Festival Laurels
All films and projects showcased at the Sundance Film Festival are eligible for Festival laurels. For inquiries regarding laurels, please email us at laurels@sundance.org.
Service and Volunteerism
Lab Mentorships
Sundance Institute is proud of its artist community and seeks to foster cross-generational, cross-program collaborations to advance the careers of independent artists. There are plenty of ongoing opportunities for Sundance Institute Collective artists to get involved as mentors and creative advisors in our various programs.
*by invitation only
Service and Volunteerism
Ignite Mentorships
Sundance Ignite identifies and supports young independent filmmakers ages 18-25 through a year-long fellowship and mentoring program and access to the Sundance Film Festival.
Mentors play a big part in the program, committing to supporting two fellows in the development of their craft and advancement of their careers. Mentors also help the Ignite team select 15 fellows each session.
*by invitation only
Support Independent Storytelling
Opportunities to support independent artists.
Every dollar that goes to the nonprofit Sundance Institute goes to nurturing and growing the careers of independent storytellers the world over. Donations that come into the Institute make an immediate difference, as they’re immediately dispersed into our industry-leading artist development programs as well as vital grants and funds.
If you’re ready to support the next generation of independent storytellers, we encourage you to participate in giving back at a level that is right for you.