Sundance Institute | Amazon Studios Scholarship
A fellowship supporting artists from historically underrepresented communities in the United States through financial support and access to Sundance Institute programs.
Overview
The Sundance Institute partners with Amazon Studios and other sponsors to provide fellowships and scholarships that support artists from historically underrepresented communities. These programs ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented filmmakers from accessing the Sundance Institute's renowned labs, workshops, and creative development programs.
The Sundance Institute operates multiple labs throughout the year, including the Screenwriters Lab, Directors Lab, Documentary Edit and Story Lab, and Producers Lab. Each lab brings emerging filmmakers together with experienced creative advisors for intensive development work on specific projects. The fellowship programs cover the costs of participation, including program fees, travel, and accommodation, for selected artists who could not otherwise afford to attend.
Sundance's commitment to expanding access reflects its founding mission. Robert Redford established the Institute in 1981 to support independent voices in American cinema, and the fellowship programs extend this mission to ensure that independence is not defined by economic privilege.
What It Covers
- Full lab participation -- program fees, travel, and accommodation for Sundance Institute labs and workshops
- Creative mentorship -- intensive development work with established filmmakers and creative advisors
- Ongoing support -- fellows join the Sundance Institute alumni network and receive continued development support
- Industry connections -- access to the Sundance ecosystem of producers, financiers, distributors, and festival programmers
Eligibility
Fellowship programs target filmmakers from historically underrepresented communities, including but not limited to artists who are Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, disabled, LGBTQ+, or from low-income backgrounds. Applicants must have a project in active development that is suitable for the specific lab or program. Both narrative and documentary filmmakers are eligible depending on the program.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Sundance Institute's online portal for specific lab and fellowship programs. Each program has its own application timeline and requirements, typically including a project description, writing sample or work-in-progress, filmmaker bio, and creative statement. There is no application fee for most Sundance programs.
Who Should Apply
Filmmakers from underrepresented communities who have projects in development and would benefit from intensive creative mentorship and the resources of the Sundance Institute. Both emerging and mid-career filmmakers are eligible, depending on the specific program.
See Also
For independent filmmaking strategies, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. For festival guidance, see Film Festival Strategy.
