Cultural Impact Residency 

Honoring the Legacy of Social Justice Leader Michael Latt

Honoring the legacy of social justice advocate Michael Latt, this six-month online residency program (March through August 2025) on Sundance Collab is designed to uplift early career underrepresented storytellers with a focus on creative, social and cultural impact and to galvanize them with opportunities, hope and creative support and inspiration.


Six fellows will be selected: two screenwriters/TV writers, two writer/directors, and two documentary filmmakers. These fellows will receive two dedicated meetings with Sundance Advisors to provide feedback on their work, bi-monthly cohort meetings to check in and share work, one meeting with Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director, Artist Programs at Sundance Institute, 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 On Demand 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 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.


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

Key Dates

  • Applications open: October 30, 2024
  • Deadline to apply: December 20, 2024
  • Finalist notification: January 15, 2025
  • Deadline for finalists to submit additional materials: January 19, 2025
  • Selected artist notification: February 20, 2025
  • Program dates: March 3 - August 31, 2025

Selection Process

The selection process will involve two rounds. If selected as a finalist, you will be notified by January 15, 2025 and you will be asked to submit a work sample as described below between January 15 - January 19, 2025:

  • 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 Filmmaker (short documentary as director, or feature length documentary as director submitted via link)
Qualification Guidelines

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.

Things to Note

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
  3. Briefly describe your journey as an artist and your goals for the coming year
  4. Tell us how this residency will support you and your work
  5. Which track are you applying for?
    • Screenwriter / TV Writer
    • Writer/Director
    • Documentary Filmmaker

Member Access

Please register for an account on Sundance Collab or log in to access.

SIGN UP OR LOG IN

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.





Questions? Please contact collab_courses@sundance.org