Sundance Institute

Join us August 21 for a free Spotlight event with Vince Gilligan, creator of "Breaking Bad," "Better Call Saul," and "Pluribus." Gilligan will talk about writing flawed heroes, running a TV writers’ room, and building high-concept characters. August 21 at 10 a.m. PDT. Register: sndnc.org/45OA3e6

Change can be difficult, but it’s often necessary. The decision to move the Sundance Institute to Colorado was a big swing - the kind of decision that asks an organization to look ahead, embrace change and imagine what the next chapter can be. What makes a moment like this possible is an exceptional team. From the boardroom to senior leadership, I’ve seen an extraordinary level of thoughtfulness, commitment and collaboration throughout this process. Decisions of this scale are never the work of one person. They happen because talented people come together, challenge one another, and remain focused on what matters most. The success of making big swings comes down to an awesome team; and that spirit of taking big swings is part of Sundance’s DNA, rooted in the vision of our founder, Robert Redford, and his belief in the power of independent storytelling. As Chair, I’m incredibly proud of the team behind this next chapter for Sundance. Check out the article below! Inc. Magazine https://lnkd.in/e_qz-_zH

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 18! Filmmakers from California based tribes: Apply to the Graton Artist Opportunity, which serves to cultivate a stage for artists from federally and non-federally recognized California Indian tribes to tell their stories through film. Artists will receive access to curated courses from the Sundance Collab platform. Supported by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Apply here: sndnc.org/4hXepeY

Olivia Wilde and cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra revisit the films that inspired the visual language of “The Invite,” from “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” to Éric Rohmer, and break down how 35mm film, framing, blocking, and production design shaped the film. Read more about the craft behind “The Invite,” which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival: sndnc.org/3RXb4lG

From real-life rescues and urgent global stories to intimate character studies, chaotic road trips, and a cult classic returning in 4K, this August’s Sundance Institute–supported releases offer something for every kind of moviegoer. Read the full Release Rundown: sndnc.org/45dksVk

As the 2026 summer Labs season comes to a close, Michelle Satter and our Sundance Institute Artist Programs Team reflect on a remarkable year of artist support, creative collaboration, and community. Read Michelle's letter celebrating the Fellows, advisors, actors, crew, staff, and supporters who helped make this year's Labs possible, and the stories that are just beginning: sndnc.org/3SaT0EB

For editor Affonso Gonçalves, the work of shaping a film starts long before the edit. As a creative advisor at the 2026 Sundance Institute Directors Lab, Gonçalves shares how he encourages filmmakers to think about performance, coverage, and the story they want to tell. Read more: sndnc.org/4g4utdq

Get to know Marco Rosas, the 2026 Sally Menke Memorial Editing Fellow and editor of “Sender.” Rosas reflects on his experience at the Sundance Institute Directors Lab, where he collaborated with emerging filmmakers, explored the emotional language behind editing, and continued the legacy of Sally Menke’s commitment to supporting independent voices. Read more: sndnc.org/44XMuUE

The "little indie film that could" is turning 20. Celebrate "Little Miss Sunshine" with Sundance Collab on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. PT for a free online Film Club. Hosted by Kiva Reardon, the discussion will explore the film from script to screen. Register: sndnc.org/4hGPoEB

Join Sundance Film Festival Director, Eugene Hernandez, and Festival alum filmmaker Carlos López Estrada (“Blindspotting,” “Summertime”) for a tour around Boulder, Colorado, and a preview of what we are building in Boulder for the 2027 #SundanceFilmFestival.