The Sundance Institute, known for its artist programs aimed at directors from historically excluded backgrounds has recently announced a new major benefit for participants. Nine narrative filmmakers have been chosen to receive a $25,000 unrestricted grant, courtesy of Sundance and The Walt Disney Studios’ new Project Advancement and Completion Fund, along with access to other Sundance programs such as the digital classroom Sundance Collab and professional development track Sundance Elevate.
This initiative aims to support and empower underrepresented voices in the film industry. Michelle Satter, founding senior director of artist programs at Sundance Institute, expressed her excitement for the program, stating, “Diverse communities often encounter formidable barriers when striving to break into the industry. We are thrilled to join forces with The Walt Disney Studios to champion the essential work of nurturing underrepresented voices.” Mahin Ibrahim, director of Creative Talent Pathways, representation and inclusion strategies at Disney, added, “At Disney, we believe in the power of diverse voices and storytelling, and this initiative reaffirms our commitment to empowering underrepresented talent in the industry.”
The nine inaugural grantees represent a wide range of backgrounds and unique storytelling perspectives. Ramzi Bashour, a New York-based Syrian American filmmaker, is working on a project called “Tomahawk Springs” which explores the journey of a teenage boy on a cross-country road trip with his Lebanese mother. Dania Bdeir, a Lebanese-Canadian filmmaker, is developing her first feature, “Pigeon Wars”, which was selected for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. Caledonia Curry, a contemporary artist, is venturing into the world of narrative filmmaking with “Sibylant Sisters”, a project that takes place in a world of ogres, gnomes, toads, paper dolls, witches, and magic.
Other grantees include Rashad Frett, a New York-based Caribbean American filmmaker, Masami Kawai, Walter Thompson-Hernández, Sean Wang, Keisha Rae Witherspoon, and Yuan Yuan, each with their own compelling and diverse projects in the works.
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The initiative not only provides financial support but also access to other Sundance programs such as the digital classroom Sundance Collab and professional development track Sundance Elevate. This comprehensive support system is aimed at helping the filmmakers develop their first independent feature films, thus opening doors for them to take on larger projects, including opportunities at the studio level.
The collaboration between the Sundance Institute and The Walt Disney Studios reflects a shared commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the film industry. By providing a platform for underrepresented filmmakers to have their voices heard, this initiative paves the way for a more vibrant and diverse landscape in filmmaking. The impact of the initiative extends beyond the nine grantees, as it sends a strong message about the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and stories in the world of cinema.
