2026 Sundance Institute Directors and Screenwriters Labs: Nurturing Independent Voices in Film
The Sundance Institute has announced the selection of fellows for its 2026 directors and screenwriters labs, which includes a feature film version of Bess Wohl’s Tony Award-winning play Liberation. The labs will host a diverse group of projects led by renowned artistic directors and advisors, providing a nurturing space for storytellers to hone their craft and strengthen their vision for their projects. The participants will work alongside esteemed advisors to sharpen their skills and build lasting relationships within the creative community.
The Directors Lab will feature eight projects and will take place at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, led by artistic director Gyula Gazdag and a cohort of advisors including industry veterans like Ava DuVernay, Ed Harris, and Catherine Hardwicke. The Screenwriters Lab will support 10 projects online, led by artistic director Howard Rodman and a cohort of advisors such as John August, Anna Boden, and Robin Swicord. Both labs are guided by Sundance Institute veterans Michelle Satter and Ilyse McKimmie, who are dedicated to uplifting independent storytellers and fostering a creative community.
Among the selected projects are Roberto Fatal's "Electric Homies," Taylor Sanghyun Lee's "Rounds," Smriti Mundhra, Nikesh Shukla, and Himesh Patel's "Brown Baby," Bec Pecaut's "The Terrible Child," Joanna Rothkopf's "Attachment," Philip Thompson's "Dance Monkey Dance," George Watsky's "yellowwood," Bess Wohl's "Liberation," Said Zagha's "Black Harvest," and Renee Zhan's "BAOBAO." These projects cover a wide range of themes and genres, exploring topics such as family dynamics, identity, and societal issues through unique storytelling approaches.
The Sundance Institute's feature film program is supported by various partners and sponsors, including Rolex, explore.org, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Walt Disney Company, and many others. These collaborations enable the Institute to continue its mission of nurturing emerging talent and supporting independent filmmakers in bringing their stories to life. The selection of fellows for the 2026 directors and screenwriters labs reflects the Institute's commitment to fostering diverse voices and innovative storytelling in the film industry.