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 2025) 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.
Six fellows are selected: two screenwriters/TV writers, two writer-directors, and two documentary filmmakers. Each fellow will receive:
- Two one-on-one sessions with Sundance Collab Advisors for tailored feedback
- Bi-monthly cohort meetings to share work and foster collaboration
- A meeting with Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director, Artist Programs at Sundance Institute
- A meeting with relevant Sundance Institute Artist Program staff
- A Sundance Collab Library Pass, offering full access to our Video Library of Master Classes and Event Recordings
- Two On-Demand courses of their choice
Michael Latt was a passionate social justice leader whose purpose-driven work impacted countless communities. As an award-winning entertainment marketer and the founder and CEO of Lead with Love, he harnessed the power of art, creativity, and storytelling to create numerous nationwide impact initiatives. 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. With this residency, we aim to carry that mission forward.
To learn more about Michael Latt, please visit the website: www.michaellattlegacy.com
- Applications open: October 30, 2024
- Deadline to apply: December 20, 2024
- Finalist notification: February 5, 2025
- Deadline for finalists to submit additional materials: February 9, 2025
- Selected artist notification: February 28, 2025
- Program dates: March 3 - August 31, 2025
The selection process will involve two rounds. If selected as a finalist, you will be notified by February 5, 2025 and you will be asked to submit a work sample as described below between February 5 - February 9, 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)
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
- Briefly describe your journey as an artist and your goals for the coming year
- Tell us how this residency will support you and your work
- 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.
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.