FOR DIRECTORS

The Director's Chair is Waiting.

Transform your vision into films that move the world.

Directing Courses and Events - Registration Closing Soon!
Jan6
Spotlight
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)

The Urgent Hybrid Cinema of Kaouther Ben Hania (THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB)

With: Kaouther Ben Hania and Soheil Rezayazdi

The Urgent Hybrid Cinema of Kaouther Ben Hania (THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB)

January 6, 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
With: Kaouther Ben Hania and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this event, Kaouther Ben Hania will discuss how she blurs the line between fiction and documentary to create groundbreaking, often unclassifiable work. The session will include time for an audience Q&A with Ben Hania. Don’t miss your chance to hear from the writer/director behind one of the most socially urgent films of 2025.
Jan9
Advisor Studio
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)

Mastering Film Festival Q&As and Audience Engagement

With: Leonard Cortana and Katherine Street

Mastering Film Festival Q&As and Audience Engagement

January 9, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)
With: Leonard Cortana and Katherine Street
In this Advisor Studio, scholar and curator Leonard Cortana will discuss in depth the art and nature of the post-screening Q&A, what filmmakers need to do to prepare, tips on how to steer the conversation to create an enlightening and positive experience, and best practices for creating meaningful connections with the audience.
Register by 1/12
Self-Paced Course

Directing: Core Elements

Instructor: Marie Jamora

Directing: Core Elements

Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Marie Jamora
You have an interest in directing fiction films, but now you want an expert in the field to help guide you as you take the next step. In this eight-week self-paced course, you will learn about the directing craft, how to assemble and collaborate with your crew, work with actors, and translate work from script-to-screen. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to film an assigned scripted scene and get feedback on your work from a Sundance Collab Advisor.
Jan15
Spotlight
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)

Laura Poitras on Documenting Seymour Hersh in COVER-UP

With: Laura Poitras and Soheil Rezayazdi

Laura Poitras on Documenting Seymour Hersh in COVER-UP

January 15, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)
With: Laura Poitras and Soheil Rezayazdi
Celebrated filmmaker Laura Poitras joins Sundance Collab for a live, online conversation about her explosive new documentary COVER-UP. This hour-long conversation will conclude with an audience Q&A, where attendees will have the opportunity to ask Poitras questions about her extraordinary new work. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Laura Poitras, an honoree of the Academy, BAFTA, DGA, Emmy, Peabody, and Independent Spirit Awards.
Register by 2/9
Self-Paced Course

Directing Actors

Instructor: Tessa Blake

Directing Actors

Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Tessa Blake
In just eight weeks, an accomplished director will give you the tools to transform a script into a roadmap that takes your vision from ideas to final cut. In this introductory level self-paced course, you'll explore and experiment with how to approach your collaboration with actors from auditions to working on set.
Recently Added Directing Courses and Events.
Jan15
Spotlight
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)

Laura Poitras on Documenting Seymour Hersh in COVER-UP

With: Laura Poitras and Soheil Rezayazdi

Laura Poitras on Documenting Seymour Hersh in COVER-UP

January 15, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)
With: Laura Poitras and Soheil Rezayazdi
Celebrated filmmaker Laura Poitras joins Sundance Collab for a live, online conversation about her explosive new documentary COVER-UP. This hour-long conversation will conclude with an audience Q&A, where attendees will have the opportunity to ask Poitras questions about her extraordinary new work. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Laura Poitras, an honoree of the Academy, BAFTA, DGA, Emmy, Peabody, and Independent Spirit Awards.
Jan6
Spotlight
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)

The Urgent Hybrid Cinema of Kaouther Ben Hania (THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB)

With: Kaouther Ben Hania and Soheil Rezayazdi

The Urgent Hybrid Cinema of Kaouther Ben Hania (THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB)

January 6, 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
With: Kaouther Ben Hania and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this event, Kaouther Ben Hania will discuss how she blurs the line between fiction and documentary to create groundbreaking, often unclassifiable work. The session will include time for an audience Q&A with Ben Hania. Don’t miss your chance to hear from the writer/director behind one of the most socially urgent films of 2025.
Feb18
Spotlight
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)

Driving Box Office Success with Joseph Kosinski

With: Joseph Kosinski and Erica Elson

Driving Box Office Success with Joseph Kosinski

February 18, 2026
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
With: Joseph Kosinski and Erica Elson
In this hour-long conversation for filmmakers of all levels, you’ll get a chance to ask questions about producing and directing some of Hollywood’s biggest films. Joseph Kosinski will discuss crafting memorable heroes, bringing his unique take to existing IP, and directing thrilling action sequences.
Register by 1/12
Course Bundle

Directing Essentials

Includes 2 courses: Directing Actors, Directing: Core Elements

Directing Essentials

Beginner to Intermediate

Includes 2 courses:

  • Directing Actors
  • Directing: Core Elements

It's time to jump into the director's chair! In this two course bundle, you will learn the essentials of directing; from how to develop and execute a vision your vision for a project to how to communicate and collaborate with actors.

Insider Session

Insider Session: Applying to the Sundance Institute Native Lab

With: Isabella Dionne Madrigal and 3 more

Insider Session: Applying to the Sundance Institute Native Lab

With: Isabella Dionne Madrigal, Jared Lank, Adam Piron and Erica Elson
Advisor Studio

Advisor Studio: A Guide to High-Speed, Low-Budget Film Production

With: Miguel Silveira and 2 more

Advisor Studio: A Guide to High-Speed, Low-Budget Film Production

With: Miguel Silveira, Missy Hernandez and Erica Elson
Jan9
Advisor Studio
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)

Mastering Film Festival Q&As and Audience Engagement

With: Leonard Cortana and Katherine Street

Mastering Film Festival Q&As and Audience Engagement

January 9, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)
With: Leonard Cortana and Katherine Street
In this Advisor Studio, scholar and curator Leonard Cortana will discuss in depth the art and nature of the post-screening Q&A, what filmmakers need to do to prepare, tips on how to steer the conversation to create an enlightening and positive experience, and best practices for creating meaningful connections with the audience.
Event Recording

Insider Session: Applying to the Sundance Institute Ignite Program

With: Samina Saifee and 3 more

Insider Session: Applying to the Sundance Institute Ignite Program

With: Samina Saifee, Kat Schulze, Toby Brooks and Katherine Street
Master Class

Master Class: Harnessing AI as a Tool in Animated Storytelling

With: Michaela Ternasky-Holland and Katherine Street

Master Class: Harnessing AI as a Tool in Animated Storytelling

With: Michaela Ternasky-Holland and Katherine Street
Live Online Course

Introduction to Visual Storytelling

Instructor: Hana Kitasei

Introduction to Visual Storytelling

Beginner
Instructor: Hana Kitasei
With an experienced filmmaker as your guide, you will leave the course with a deeper understanding of cinematic language and the confidence to apply these techniques to your own projects. Through in-class analysis and exercises, you’ll understand the key concepts around composition, lenses, color, lighting, and camera movement to evoke specific feelings and immerse your audience in your world.
Event Recording

CDMX 2025: Collaborating with Actors

With: Ash Hoyle and 3 more

CDMX 2025: Collaborating with Actors

With: Ash Hoyle, Carmen Emmi, Laura Casabé and Fernanda Echevarría Del Rivero

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