PARK CITY, UTAH, October 15, 2025 — The nonprofit Sundance Institute is pleased to announce Rolex as its Official Partner and Exclusive Timepiece. Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program will be in partnership with the Swiss watchmaking brand for multiple years providing direct support and granting. For over 40 years, the Feature Film Program has […] The post Sundance Institute Announces Partnership With Rolex to Support Feature Film Program first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
By Paige Bethmann Before my grandmother passed away in 2019, I went to visit her in the hospital where she’d been for a few weeks. When I arrived, the nurses smiled and said, “We really should be charging admission for all the visitors she has.” A renowned Mohawk storyteller — relatives, friends, and staff came […] The post The “Remaining Native” Team on the Sundance Institute Labs, Community and More first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
(L–R) Guest, Kimberly Robinson Jones, Geeta Gandbhir, Pamela Dias, and Takema Robinson attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of “The Perfect Neighbor” at the The post “The Perfect Neighbor” Takes a Novel Approach to Examining America’s Race and Gun Violence first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
By Katie Arthurs Whether told through dance, ceremony, spoken word, or visual art, storytelling in all its forms is a long held tradition for many The post “To Have All Is to Share All”: A Spotlight on Sundance Institute’s Merata Mita Fellowship first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
By Jessica Herndon One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent The post Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Bill Condon, the Writer-Director Behind “Kiss of the Spider Woman” first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
From left, Scoot McNairy, Andrew Durham, Nessa Dougherty, and Emilia Jones attend the premiere of “Fairyland” at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Photo by Jemal The post “Fairyland” Delves Deeply Into the Tragedy of the AIDS Crisis first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
By Kristin Feeley (In my sleep I dreamed this poem)Someone I loved once gave mea box full of darkness.It took me years to understandthat this, too, was a gift. – “The Uses of Sorrow,” Mary Oliver I’ve been thinking about this poem a lot lately. In the context of our work in the Documentary Film […] The post Nonfiction Films Ensure That We Are Seen and Our Stories Told first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
Conan O’Brien and Rose Byrne (photo by Andrew H. Walker / Shutterstock for Sundance FIlm Festival) By Bailey Pennick “This is the first time that The post “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” Immerses You in the High Stakes of Emotional Burnout first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
Funded by the Doris Duke Foundation, Fellows will receive financial, creative, and career support, including participation in the Building Bridges Artist Retreat at the Doris The post Sundance Institute and Islamic Scholarship Fund Select Filmmakers for Third Building Bridges Fellowship Cohort Amplifying U.S. Muslim Stories first appeared on sundance.org.| sundance.org
By Lucy SpicerOne of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn| sundance.org - sundance.org
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 20: (L–R) Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg attend the 2024 Sundance Film Festival “A Real Pain” premiere at Eccles Theatre. (Photo by George Pimentel/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival) By Annie Lyons As Jesse Eisenberg took the stage at the January 20 premiere of A Real Pain, he received an enthusiastic| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Jessica HerndonSound and music aren’t embellishments in film — they’re storytelling tools that can shape emotional beats and signature settings. Think of the terror evoked by John Williams’ Jaws main title “The Shark Theme” or the sweeping heartache we feel when hearing James Horner’s Titanic main title “Rose.” The power of sound in film| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Jessica HerndonWelcome to the second edition of Take 5, where we invite you to get familiar with the talented instructors behind our Sundance Collab courses. This time, we’re featuring KD Roeder Daza, who leads the “Previsualization with AI Tools for Filmmakers” course.“The rate of technological development is moving much faster than creative adoption,” Daza| sundance.org - sundance.org
Director Erica Tremblay on the set of “Little Chief'” during the 2018 Native Filmmakers Lab. Photo by Tytianna Harris for Sundance InstituteBy Lucy SpicerWhen writer-director Erica Tremblay (Seneca-Cayuga Nation) attended Sundance Institute’s Native Filmmakers Lab as a fellow in 2018, she couldn’t have predicted that she would be back as an advisor just two years| sundance.org - sundance.org
“This home has come to an end; it’s time to move to the next home.” — Mescalero Apache ceremonial song During my 20 years at the Sundance Institute, I’ve tried to imbue my work with inflections of my own Cheyenne and Mescalero Apache cultures. I saw the work of supporting Indigenous artists as a ceremony of transitioning storytellers into their full potential, much like my Mescalero community does when we ritually sing our young women into womanhood and into our matriarchy.| sundance.org - sundance.org
Director Sterlin Harjo and creative advisor Mike White at the 2004 Screenwriters Lab.By Jessica Herndon As the Sundance Institute Directors Lab turns 45, we’re celebrating this milestone by highlighting filmmakers who are an integral part of its legacy. Through this special series, we dive deep into the stories of directors who began their narrative feature filmmaking| sundance.org - sundance.org
The loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford, leaves us bereft and grateful for his life’s work. Bob’s vision of a space and platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world.| sundance.org - sundance.org
photo by Al Seib / @A.M.P.A.S Last night at the Governors Awards ceremony, Michelle Satter was honored by the Academy with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. She was part of an exceptional group of four including Mel Brooks, Angela Bassett, and Carol Littleton. We have all felt the power and impact of working alongside Satter,| sundance.org - sundance.org
Editor’s Note: The loss of our founder and friend Robert Redford, leaves us bereft and grateful for his life’s work. Bob’s vision of a space and platform for independent voices launched a movement that, over four decades later, has inspired generations of artists and redefined cinema in the U.S. and around the world. Beyond his| sundance.org - sundance.org
The Sundance Film Festival’s longstanding commitment to documentary has been driven by the personal connection founder and president Robert Redford feels for the form. Leading up to the premiere of Chicago 10, the second doc to ever open the Festival, we talked to Redford about the past, present, and possible future of documentaries.You made an early commitment to documentary.| sundance.org - sundance.org
Steve Zahn, Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, and Janeane Garofalo star in Ben Stiller’s “Reality Bites,” which premiered at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival.By Lucy SpicerAutumn is just around the corner. Can you feel a nip in the air? Film lovers need not despair as the sun sets earlier and earlier — it may be dark| sundance.org - sundance.org
(L–R) Jade Croot, Rosy McEwen, and Bryn Chainey attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of “Rabbit Trap” at Eccles Theatre on January 24, 2025, in Park City, UT. (Photo by Stephen Speckman for Sundance Institute)By Lucy SpicerListen to writer-director Bryn Chainey talk about his feature directorial debut, Rabbit Trap, and you’ll learn that he’s| sundance.org - sundance.org
It’s awards day! We’re here at The Ray Theatre in Park City, Utah, for the much-anticipated 2024 Sundance Film Festival Awards Ceremony. We’re so excited to share the results as voted by our illustrious jurors, as well as the winners of the audience awards. Join us in congratulating these exceptional artists on their amazing contributions| sundance.org - sundance.org
Julian Brave NoiseCat hugs Chief Willie Sellars as the “Sugarcane” film team takes the stage following the premiere of the documentary January 20 at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Michael Hurcomb/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)By Vanessa ZimmerEd Archie NoiseCat has spent his life running away from the Indian boarding school at St. Joseph’s| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Jessica HerndonLauren Greenfield has always had an eye for America’s obsessions. For over two decades, the Emmy Award–winning filmmaker has focused her lens on the most uncomfortable truths about wealth, beauty, and youth culture — from the devastating intimacy of Thin (2006 Sundance Film Festival) to the gaudy excess of The Queen of Versailles| sundance.org - sundance.org
Sierra Falconer attends the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of “Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)” at The Ray Theatre on January 26, 2025, in Park City, UT. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival) By Shelby Shaw Writer-director Sierra Falconer takes the stage, with a handful of actors and film team members,| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Katie ArthursThe phrase “we stand on the shoulders of giants” was a sentiment taught to me as a child, but one that’s meaning didn’t fully seep in until I was older and setting out on my own. I found myself falling back on the things I learned from my parents and grandparents — and| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Jessica HerndonWhen it comes to high-stakes television, few shows have captured the intensity and heart of trauma medicine quite like The Pitt. HBO Max’s breakout medical drama has become a critical sensation, earning 13 Emmy nominations, including a nod for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for Amanda Marsalis, who| sundance.org - sundance.org
Director Rachael Abigail Holder introduces the premiere of her film “Love, Brooklyn” at the Eccles Theater in Park City. (Photo by George Pimentel/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)By Jordan Crucchiola The overarching theme of the Love, Brooklyn debut in the 2025 Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Dramatic Competition section boils down to one word: community. The community who| sundance.org - sundance.org
(L—R) Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival “Twinless” premiere at Eccles Theatre. (Photo by George Pimentel/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)By Jessica Herndon Before the premiere of Twinless, Dylan O’Brien wants to make one thing perfectly clear: “We are not twins in real life, so I want to just set that record| sundance.org - sundance.org
(Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones appear in Train Dreams by Clint Bentley, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Adolpho Veloso)By Jessica HerndonThe Toronto International Film Festival celebrates a major milestone this year — its 50th edition — and Sundance Institute is ready to show up| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Bailey PennickOne of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn| sundance.org - sundance.org
June Squibb stars in Scarlett Johansson’s “Eleanor the Great,” which was supported by Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program.By Lucy SpicerFall is just around the corner, and with the new season comes the reminder that change is part of life. It just so happens that change and unexpected relationships are prominent themes in this month’s Sundance| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Jessica Herndon One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn| sundance.org - sundance.org
Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, the nonprofit Sundance Institute is a champion and curator of stories for the stage and screen.| sundance.org - sundance.org
Friends,The 2026 Sundance Film Festival is just six months away, and today I’m excited to share some details and updates about our upcoming edition in Utah. This year will mean so much for so many reasons. Our focus is making the 2026 Festival — in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, from January 22–February| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Bailey PennickOne of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Jessica HerndonOne of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Lucy SpicerOne of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn| sundance.org - sundance.org
Navalny continues a long history of Sundance Institute–supported documentaries winning major awards. Since 1991, Institute-supported documentaries have won 18 Oscars.| sundance.org - sundance.org
At a time when women make up 50.8 percent of the U.S. population, just 4.2 percent of the 100 top-grossing American films are made by female directors; and that statistic hasn’t changed over the last decade. Sundance Institute has offered unprecedented support to women artists, including groundbreaking women like Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Kopple, Allison Anders, and many more at our earliest labs and Festival.| sundance.org - sundance.org
Catalyst is Sundance Institute’s film financing program. We aim to build a culture of partnership between independent investors and filmmakers; to unlock funding for ambitious new independent films; and to grow the community of indie-film supporters.| sundance.org - sundance.org
The Sundance Institute’s artist programs provide dynamic support at every step of the creative journey for individuals with distinct voices in film and episodic storytelling. Each program consists of labs, grants, intensives, sessions, and ongoing resources for artists to nurture their projects and sustain their careers. Through year-round activities, we provide the space for artists to create and share their stories with the world. Since our inception, the Institute’s programs have suppo...| sundance.org - sundance.org
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 23: (L–R) Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber attend the 2024 Sundance Film Festival “War Game” premiere at Prospector Square Theatre on January 23 in Park City. (Photo by Michael Hurcomb/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)By Lucy SpicerIn December of 2021, The Washington Post published an opinion piece by three retired generals| sundance.org - sundance.org
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 22: (L–R) Eugene Grygo, Phoebe Hoffman, Lana Wilson, Michael Kim, and Nikenya Hall attend the 2024 Sundance Film Festival “Look Into My Eyes” premiere at the Egyptian Theatre on January 22, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival) By Lucy Spicer “I suddenly got| sundance.org - sundance.org
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 22: (L-R) Alessandra Lacorazza, Emma Ramos, Kimaya Thais Limon, René Pérez Joglar, Dreya Castillo, Luciana Elisa Quinonez, Lío Mehiel, Allison Salinas, Leslie Grace, Sharlene Cruz, and Sasha Calle attend the 2024 Sundance Film Festival “Exhibiting Forgiveness” premiere. (Photo by Michael Hurcomb/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival) By Patty Consolazio Dad gets his girls| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Lucy SpicerOne of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Lucy SpicerOne of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn| sundance.org - sundance.org
By Lucy Spicer One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can| sundance.org - sundance.org
Pictured top row (L–R): Adam Piron, Kapena Liu, Sky Hopinka, Billy Roehl; bottom row (L–R): Taylour Chang, Tiare Ribeaux, Pumehana Cabral, Bryson Chun, Ianeta Le’iBy Ianeta Le’i, Indigenous Program Senior ManagerIn recent years, Hawai‘i has become a hub for film and television — from big-budget franchise films to cable procedurals and everything in between. With| sundance.org - sundance.org
By the Archives team As you try to keep cool in the summer heat, our Sundance Institute trivia game continues to sizzle! As a follow-up to our June game, we’re once again shining a light on new releases and revisiting some past gems. A new twist in our continued effort to highlight Sundance-supported artists and projects,| sundance.org - sundance.org
Sundance Institute Founder Robert Redford during a press conference at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. Photo by Ken ReganBy the Archives TeamThere’s no better way to celebrate Preservation Week (April 28–May 4) than to peek inside 40 years of Sundance Film Festival history and the work of the Archives and Collection team! We’re very fortunate that| sundance.org - sundance.org
Grand Jury Prizes Go To In The Summers (U.S. Dramatic Competition), Porcelain War (U.S. Documentary Competition), A New Kind of Wilderness (World Cinema Documentary Competition), and Sujo (World Cinema Dramatic Competition); NEXT Innovator Award Presented by Adobe Goes to Little Death Daughters Wins Festival Favorite Award Dìdi (弟弟) (U.S. Dramatic Competition) and Daughters (U.S. Documentary| sundance.org - sundance.org
