Indigenous Program
The Sundance Institute Indigenous Program supports California-based Native filmmakers with funding, mentorship, and festival access to elevate Indigenous storytelling in film.
Funder: Sundance Institute
Due Dates: November 16, 2026 (2027 Graton Fellowship application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $25,000 cash grant per fellow (2 awarded); includes yearlong support, mentorship, and festival participation
Summary: Supports artists from California-based Native tribes to develop and share their stories through film with funding, mentorship, and access to Sundance Institute resources.
Key Information: No application fee; only artists from California-based tribes are eligible.
Description
The Sundance Institute Indigenous Program, through opportunities such as the Graton Fellowship, is committed to championing Indigenous-created stories by providing targeted support to Native and Indigenous storytellers. The 2027 Graton Fellowship specifically serves artists from federally and non-federally recognized California-based tribes, offering funding, mentorship, and access to the broader Sundance artist community. The program aims to elevate Indigenous voices in film, foster creative development, and provide platforms for storytelling that honor Indigenous perspectives and sovereignty.
