• Applications open: September 10, 2025

• Deadline to apply: November 3, 2025

• Finalist notification: December 19, 2025

• Deadline for finalists to submit additional materials: January 5, 2026

• Selected artist notification: February 28, 2026

• Program dates: March 2 - August 31, 2026

The selection process will involve two rounds. If selected as a finalist, you will be notified by December 19, 2025 and you will be asked to submit a work sample as described below by January 5, 2026:

• Screenwriter/TV Writer (short screenplay, pilot, or feature length screenplay as a PDF)

• Writer/Director (short film as writer/director, or feature length film as writer/director submitted via link)

• Documentary Director (short documentary as director, or feature length documentary as director submitted via link)

This residency is designed to uplift early career underrepresented storytellers whose work is focused on social and cultural impact.

It is open to artists from any country, but English proficiency is a requirement as the program will be conducted in English.

We define “early career” as having under seven years of experience, or as an artist working on a first project.

We define “underrepresented artists” as individuals or groups who have historically faced barriers to access, recognition, or opportunities in the arts due to their identity, background, or circumstances. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Artists from historically marginalized communities.
• Women, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
• LGBTQ2+ artists.
• Artists with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
• Artists from rural or underserved regions.
• Individuals with limited access to formal training or institutional support in the arts.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply or reach out to our team for clarification at collab_courses@sundance.org. Our goal is to create an inclusive and uplifting space for artists who have experienced systemic barriers in the arts.

You will be asked the following questions in the application:

1. Sundance Institute demographic questions
2. Describe the project that you would like to work on in this residency and your personal connection to the story (500 words)
3. Briefly describe your journey as an artist and your goals for the coming year (300 words)
4. Tell us how this residency will support you and your work (300 words)
5. Which track are you applying for?
• Screenwriter/TV Writer
• Writer/Director
• Documentary Director

Beloved by family, friends, and co-workers, Michael Latt made it his mission and purpose in life to transform society into one of love, equity, compassion and true justice. In his public work, he fought tirelessly for change through art, narrative, and policy.

In his private life, he brought people together, he made communities, he was the embodiment of love, and he was always supporting everyone’s dreams. Over his career, he worked alongside influential artists, brands and organizations like musical artist Common, visual artist Glenn Kaino, artist BMike, musician Samora Pinderhughes, Emerson Collective, Sundance Film Festival, Directors Guild of America, Shabazz Center, Values Partnerships, filmmaker Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY, Frieze Art Fair, award-winning filmmakers Ryan Coogler, Raoul Peck, and Barry Jenkins, among many others.

Past initiatives where Latt played key roles included Blackout for Human Rights, a collective of entertainment professionals and artists founded by Ryan Coogler, dedicated to fighting state-sanctioned violence and empowering communities through art; The Hope & Redemption Prison Tour, featuring musical artist Common, to deliver inspiration to incarcerated women and men; a national boycott of major retailers profiting from human rights violations; over five years of a star-studded MLK Now event honoring the legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.; and marketing support for the films Fruitvale Station, Till, Killers of the Flower Moon, I Am Not Your Negro, among many others.

At the time of his passing, Latt served on the leadership advisory committees for NeueHouse, Art Frieze, and Real Wins and was recently invited to join the Artist Committee for the Kennedy Center Honors.

He also received a Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislative Black Caucus acknowledging his significant contribution to Hip Hop Culture and the West Coast Hip Hop Industry. In March, Michael was acknowledged by the Hollywood branch of the NAACP with their Dorothy Parker Ally Award at their annual IMAGE Awards and at the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Special Achievement Awards with their first ever Freedom Award. During the 2024 Academy Awards, he was celebrated In Memoriam during the televised ceremony.

To learn more about Michael Latt, please visit the website: www.michaellattlegacy.com

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page. You will need to create a free Sundance Collab account if you haven't already.

The cost to apply to the 2026 Cultural Impact Residency is $10 USD.

The Cultural Impact Residency is open to artists from any country, but English proficiency is a requirement as the program will be conducted in English. 

This will be a virtual (online) program. The meetings will take place online over Zoom and will not be held in person.

Projects can be at any stage, but the ideal applicant will have a draft of their project by the time finalists are selected. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress projects where the applicant can receive advisor support on the project’s development.

Yes. See application for word-count limits. 

We are not accepting co-creators or teams for this opportunity.

We are only accepting one application per person, so you'll have to choose one track to submit. 

Yes, college/university students are eligible to apply. 

Due to the volume of applications submitted, we cannot accept any requests for revisions.