CEO, Sundance Institute
The Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization based in the United States founded by the American actor, Robert Redford, to advance the growth of independent artists, has opened the Fall cycle of its 2022 Documentary Fund and is receiving applications from documentarians and independent filmmakers from around the world.
The fund supports work that expresses the world in creative, complex, beautiful, and provocative ways, and it has created real cultural and social impact around some of the most pressing issues of our time.
The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) prioritizes support for independent nonfiction films with budgets under $1,000,000 USD.
For United States productions, independent nonfiction films led by artists from historically underrepresented communities are prioritized. For international productions, independent nonfiction films led by artists from Africa, China, India, Latin America and the Middle East are prioritized.
Applicants may submit at any production phase from development through post-production. All proposals must convey some vision for a finished film. However, projects that have not yet secured characters or subjects, are unable to articulate a story or structure, or are unable to explain the project’s driving central question will not be considered. Proposals for story research will also not be considered. Applicants do not need any prior funding or a fiscal sponsor to apply.
Once a film meant to be entered into the competition premieres, the Institutes will not be able to provide post-production funding support. It encourages applicants to apply at least six months before an anticipated premiere. Also, picture-locked cuts are also ineligible for post-production funding.
Projects that have previously received a grant through the Documentary Fund are not eligible to apply for additional funding through this open call.
Applications close on June 6, 2022.
For further information about the Fund and to apply, please visit: https://apply.sundance.org/prog/2022_documentary_fund_fall_cycle/?mc_cid=b25b0b1675.
