School of Media Studies

School of Media Studies

Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program

About the Documentary Film Program

 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, Nanfu Wang’s Hooligan Sparrow, Sabaah Jordan and Damon Davis’ Whose Streets?, Kirsten Johnson’s Cameraperson, Kitty Green’s Casting JonBenet, 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.

Documentary Fund

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.

Click here for more information.

Take The Next Step

Submit your application

Undergraduate

To apply to any of our Bachelor's programs (Except the Bachelor's Program for Adult Transfer Students) complete and submit the Common App online.

Graduates and Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctural, Professional Studies Diploma, Graduates Certificate, or Associate's programs, or to apply to the Bachelor's Program for Adult and Transfer Students, complete and submit the New School Online Application.