[Sundance Institute](https://www.sundance.org)

December 22, 2025: Native Lab application deadline (Native Lab closes)

Award amounts vary by opportunity; includes hands-on labs, fellowships, and creative support.

Supports Indigenous storytellers worldwide through labs, fellowships, and tailored creative development opportunities.

Applicants must self-identify as Indigenous; no application fee.

--- ## Description The Sundance Institute Indigenous Program is dedicated to championing Indigenous-created stories on a global scale. The program offers a range of opportunities including the Native Lab, fellowships, screenings, and gatherings, all tailored to the creative and professional needs of Native and Indigenous storytellers. Emphasizing decolonizing the screen and uplifting Indigenous voices, the program provides hands-on support, feedback sessions, and roundtable discussions to nurture the development of Indigenous artists across feature film and episodic formats. Opportunities are available for emerging and established creators, with a strong focus on community, mentorship, and creative growth. --- ## Due Dates - December 22, 2025: Native Lab application deadline (Native Lab closes) All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Award amounts and support vary by opportunity (e.g., Native Lab, fellowships, intensives). - Support includes participation in labs, mentorship, and professional development, rather than fixed cash grants. - The Sundance Institute provides over $3 million annually across all programs, with Indigenous Program awards tailored to artist needs. --- ## Eligibility - Open to storytellers who self-identify as Indigenous (including Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous Canadian—First Nations, Métis, Inuit). - Applicants must submit a narrative feature or episodic pilot script for the Native Lab. - Writing teams are not accepted for the Native Lab; individual applications only. - International Indigenous artists may be eligible for some opportunities; check specific program details. - The program is not open to non-Indigenous applicants, even if their story features Indigenous characters. --- ## Application Process - Applications for the Native Lab open in early December and close December 22, 2025. - No application fee. - Applicants submit a narrative feature or episodic pilot script and complete the online application. - Selection includes review of artistic vision and relevance to Indigenous storytelling. - Notifications are sent after the application period; check the program site for estimated notification dates. - For other Indigenous Program opportunities (fellowships, intensives), deadlines and requirements may vary; see the [Indigenous Program page](https://www.sundance.org/programs/indigenous-program/) for details. --- ## Additional Information - The program includes hands-on labs, fellowships, screenings, and community gatherings. - The Indigenous Program is supported by partners such as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and others. - The Native Lab has been a cornerstone of the program since 2004, supporting four generations of Indigenous filmmakers. - Application is free; there are no costs to apply or participate if selected. - For questions not addressed in the FAQ, applicants can contact the program directly. --- ## External Links - [Sundance Institute Indigenous Program Overview](https://www.sundance.org/programs/indigenous-program/) - [Native Lab Application Details](https://collab.sundance.org/catalog/Insider-Session-Applying-to-the-Sundance-Institute-Native-Lab-Video) - [Sundance Institute Deadlines Page](https://www.sundance.org/deadlines/) - [Sundance Institute Main Site](https://www.sundance.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Webpage | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Indigenous Program Team| [indigenous_program@sundance.org](mailto:indigenous_program@sundance.org) | [Program Page](https://www.sundance.org/programs/indigenous-program/) | | General Inquiries | [institute@sundance.org](mailto:institute@sundance.org) | [Contact Page](https://www.sundance.org/support) |

Indigenous Program

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