Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program Announces New Call for Projects
[Source: June 17, 2010]
Sundance Documentary Film Program
The Program supports feature documentaries about contemporary social issues from the US and internationally. The focus is on films that combine storytelling artistry with global social relevance. The Program consists of year-round artist support including the Sundance Documentary Fund, creative Documentary Labs, support activities at the Sundance Creative Producing Summit and the Sundance Film Festival, Work-In-Progress screenings at selected festivals globally, and editorial and creative support. The Sundance Documentary Fund is the access point and application process for all of our other creative services.
Sundance Documentary Fund
The fund is very competitive, generally receiving between 1500 and 2000 applications per year and making some 40-60 awards annually. A panel of film professionals and human rights experts conduct a review of each docket. Proposals are evaluated on effective storytelling, originality, artistic approach, global relevance and timeliness and potential for social engagement. Films supported have included My Country, My Country; Why We Fight; Born Into Brothels; Iraq in Fragments; The Devil Came on Horseback; and Trouble the Water.
- Development grants range from $10,000-$15,000 and clips, samples, trailers or teasers are strongly encouraged.
- Production & Post-production grants range from $25,000-$50,000. Production & Post-production proposals should include a rough cut of 20-75 minutes, ideally conveying the vision for the film. Shorter cuts or unedited source footage are generally not competitive against the longer rough cuts submitted.
How To Apply
The Sundance Documentary Fund next (postmark) deadline is July 7, 2010 for both development and production proposals. Applicants can register online in late-June by visiting www.sundance.org/documentary.
