The Sundance Documentary Film Program supports non-fiction filmmakers worldwide in the production of cinematic documentaries on contemporary themes. Established in 2002 with founding support from Open Society Foundations, the Program is a vibrant global resource for independent non-fiction storytelling. Recent projects include Joshua Oppenheimer’s The Look of Silence, Laura Poitras’ CITIZENFOUR, Feras Fayyad’s Last Men In Aleppo, RaMell Ross’ Hale County This Morning, This Evening, Kirsten Johnson’s Cameraperson, Yance Ford’s Strong Island, and Raoul Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro.
Led by Tabitha Jackson, the Documentary Film Program believes that art changes the way we reach people. We focus on those values of Art, Reach and Change through encouraging excellence and experimentation in form; championing under-represented voices; facilitating the strategic distribution of grantee projects where needed, and supporting the social and creative impact of this work upon release.
In summary, the year-round support of filmmakers through the granting fund, the labs, a fellows program and strategic advice from development to distribution amounts to a commitment to documentary as an increasingly important global art form and a critical cultural practice in the 21st century.
The Documentary Fund Application is now OPEN. Click HERE for the application. The Documentary Film Program has eliminated all application deadlines. We accept and grant film projects throughout the year.
Submissions to the Documentary Fund are accepted year round, with decisions occurring 3-4 times per year. Upcoming decisions will be mid-September and mid-December. To be considered for the September decision, applications must be received by July 31st; for the December decision, applications must be received by October 31st.