The Sundance Institute and Starlight Media have partnered to launch the Sundance Institute | Stars Collective Granting Fund. This new fund will provide grants to filmmakers from historically marginalized communities.
The Fund contains an initial amount of $200,000 provided by Starlight (the producer behind “Crazy Rich Asians”). It will provide unrestricted grants of $1,500 to $10,000 to filmmakers from diverse backgrounds working in fiction and nonfiction.
“Our goal is to create impact within the film industry and support diverse artists at all stages of development,” said Peter Luo, CEO and founder of Starlight Media in a statement. “Sundance Institute is a powerful ally in helping this come to fruition as they have the infrastructure to identify artists and projects through its current roster of artists from across all of its program labs, intensives, and film festival. During this challenging time in the world, we very much look forward to providing assistance and opportunities for the next generation of storytellers.”
The applications for the fund will be open on a rolling basis. They are currently available from Dec. 1 onward. Interested applicants are required to email dfp@sundance.org to confirm eligibility and receive an application code. The grants can be used towards development, production, and distribution costs.
The Granting Fund is part of Sundance’s new Stars Collective, which was launched earlier this year, and focuses on promoting the next generation of diverse filmmakers. The program aims to support 30–50 emerging filmmakers through fiscal support and mentorship.
“We’re excited to join Starlight in their commitment to supporting filmmakers during these uncertain times, when support for independent voices is both historically challenging and crucial,” said Michelle Satter, Sundance Institute’s founding director, feature film program, in a statement. “This partnership will provide meaningful grants to diverse filmmakers, ensuring that there will be powerful, enduring stories from vibrant, diverse perspectives in the years to come.”