2027 Merata Mita Fellowship
2027 Merata Mita Fellowship supports Indigenous women pursuing feature film directing with grants, mentorship, and yearlong creative support to help them tell their stories and carry forward Mita’s legacy.
Funder: Sundance Institute
Due Dates: October 13, 2026 (Applications open) | November 3, 2026 (Application deadline, 3:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. MT / 6:30 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: Cash grants and a yearlong continuum of artist support
Summary: Supports Indigenous women worldwide pursuing feature film directing through cash grants, mentorship, and creative support.
Key Information: Open to U.S.-based and international Indigenous artists who identify as women and are endeavoring to direct a feature film.
Description
The Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship supports Indigenous women around the world who are endeavoring to direct a feature film. It honors the artistic contributions and memory of Merata Mita (Ngāti Pikiao/Ngāi Te Rangi), the first Māori woman to solely write and direct a dramatic feature film. Mita served as an advisor and artistic director of Sundance Institute’s Native Filmmakers Lab from 2000 to 2009, mentoring and developing Indigenous talent.
The fellowship continues her legacy by cultivating a stage for Indigenous women to tell their stories. Fellows receive cash grants alongside a yearlong continuum of support, including a trip to the Sundance Film Festival, access to strategic and creative services through Sundance Institute artist programs, and mentorship opportunities.
