Indigenous Program
Indigenous Program supports Native and Indigenous storytellers through film and episodic development, labs, fellowships, and screenings to uplift Indigenous voices and decolonize the screen.
Funder: Sundance Institute
Due Dates: November 3, 2026 (Merata Mita) | November 16, 2026 (Graton Fellowship) | December 22, 2026 (Native Lab) | July 31, 2027 (Graton Collab)
Funding Amounts: Graton Fellowship: $25,000 each for two fellows, plus yearlong support
Summary: Supports Native and Indigenous storytellers through film and episodic development, fellowships, labs, and public screenings.
Key Information: Opportunities are limited to Indigenous artists; Graton Fellowship applicants must be from California-based tribes.
Description
Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program supports Indigenous-created stories globally through labs, fellowships, screenings, and gatherings tailored to Native and Indigenous storytellers. Its artist-development work encompasses feature film and episodic projects, with hands-on support from Institute staff and advisors through one-on-one feedback sessions and roundtable discussions. The program centers decolonizing the screen and uplifting Indigenous voices, recognizing storytellers’ responsibilities toward Indigenous peoples, communities, and sovereignty.
Offerings include the Native Lab, Graton Fellowship, Indigenous Intensive x Hawai’i, and Merata Mita Fellowship. The 2027 Graton Fellowship supports artists from California Native tribes with cash grants, mentorship, creative services, and a Sundance Film Festival trip. Alongside artist development, the Indigenous Film Tour brings short films by Indigenous filmmakers to audiences through partnered theatrical screenings.
