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)
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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.
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
Spotlight
Spotlight: Sculpting Body-Cam Footage into Cinema with Geeta Gandbhir (THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR)
With: Geeta Gandbhir and Soheil Rezayazdi
Spotlight: Sculpting Body-Cam Footage into Cinema with Geeta Gandbhir (THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR)
With: Geeta Gandbhir and Soheil Rezayazdi
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)
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
Spotlight
Spotlight: Mastering Performance with Writer/Director Joachim Trier (SENTIMENTAL VALUE)
With: Joachim Trier and Erica Elson
Spotlight: Mastering Performance with Writer/Director Joachim Trier (SENTIMENTAL VALUE)
With: Joachim Trier and Erica Elson
Spotlight
Spotlight: Revolutionizing the Musical Genre with Bill Condon (KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN)
With: Bill Condon and Katherine Street
Spotlight: Revolutionizing the Musical Genre with Bill Condon (KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN)
With: Bill Condon and Katherine Street
Spotlight
Spotlight: The Revolutionary Cinema of Jafar Panahi (IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT)
With: Jafar Panahi and Soheil Rezayazdi
Spotlight: The Revolutionary Cinema of Jafar Panahi (IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT)
With: Jafar Panahi and Soheil Rezayazdi
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
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.
CDMX 2025: Collaborating with Actors
With: Ash Hoyle, Carmen Emmi, Laura Casabé and Fernanda Echevarría Del Rivero