About the Open Call

The Sundance Institute Ignite program identifies and supports new voices and talent from the next generation of filmmakers by providing artistic and professional development. The yearlong Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellowship is open to emerging documentary and fiction filmmakers from across the globe between ages 18 and 25. The fellowship begins with a weeklong in-person lab at MassMoca in North Adams, Massachusetts, orienting filmmakers to the fellowship and year ahead. Throughout the year, filmmakers will work with a Sundance Institute alumni mentor, participate in monthly webinars, and receive resources to advance their filmmaking careers.

What is Offered

$5,000 artist grant, a weeklong in-person lab at MassMoca (with travel, lodging, and meals covered), a Sundance Institute alumni mentor, monthly webinars and workshops, and a complimentary 12-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership.

Requirements

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25 as of February 12, 2026. The submitted short film must be under 15 minutes and completed within the last 12 months. An active project is required for the duration of the fellowship. Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles. Only the director of the film is eligible for the fellowship.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a one- to 15-minute short film that represents their artistic vision and unique voice. Additionally, applicants must provide materials for a new project they intend to work on during the fellowship, such as lookbooks, script pages (up to 5), treatments, or pitch decks in PDF format. All submissions must be made through the Sundance Collab portal.