Cultural Impact Residency
Honoring the Legacy of Social Justice Leader Michael Latt
In honor of social justice advocate Michael Latt, this six-month online residency (March–August 2026) on Sundance Collab supports early-career, underrepresented storytellers whose work is rooted in creative, cultural, and social impact. The program aims to inspire and galvanize artists through meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and a supportive creative community.
Up to eight fellows will be selected across three tracks: screenwriting/TV writing, writer/directing, and documentary filmmaking. These fellows will receive two dedicated meetings with Sundance Collab Advisors to provide feedback on their work, bi-monthly cohort meetings to check in and share work, and one meeting with the applicable Sundance Artist Program staff. Artists will also receive a Sundance Collab Library Pass to take advantage of the extensive Video Library, which includes Master Classes and Event Recordings, and two courses of their choosing.
Michael Latt was a passionate social justice leader whose purpose-driven work impacted countless communities. As an award-winning entertainment marketer by training, he harnessed the power of art, creativity, and storytelling to create numerous nationwide impact initiatives, most recently as founder and CEO of Lead with Love. In his life, Michael made it his mission and purpose 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.
To learn more about Michael Latt, please visit the website: www.michaellattlegacy.com
- 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:
- Sundance Institute demographic questions
- Describe the project that you would like to work on in this residency and your personal connection to the story (500 words)
- Briefly describe your journey as an artist and your goals for the coming year (300 words)
- Tell us how this residency will support you and your work (300 words)
- Which track are you applying for?
- Screenwriter/TV Writer
- Writer/Director
- Documentary Director
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Member Access
Please register for an account on Sundance Collab or log in to access.
Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.