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Attention, Young Filmmakers: Here’s Your Chance to Go to Sundance

Attention, Young Filmmakers: Here's Your Chance to Go to Sundance

By Paula Bernstein

Attention, Young Filmmakers: Here's Your Chance Go Sundance

Paula Bernstein

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October 12, 2015 2:17 pm

The Sundance Institute has announced Sundance Ignite, a new program intended to support the next generation of independent filmmakers. Launched in collaboration with Adobe, the program will offer 18-to-24-year-olds exclusive access to independent film and filmmaking experiences, including at the Sundance Film Festival.

The program, with support from Adobe through its Project 1324 initiative, will host an online short film challenge for 18-to-24-year-old filmmakers, and five winners will attend the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Original film submissions of 1-8 minutes exploring interpretations of the theme ‘What’s Next?’ will be accepted October 29 through November 16 at project1324.com.

According to the Sundance Institute, entries will be evaluated for technical excellence, creative interpretation of the challenge, demonstration of an original voice, innovative storytelling and strong character or subject development. Five winners will be awarded special opportunities to connect with Institute staff and alumni as part of a Sundance Ignite Fellowship and attend the 2016 Festival, including travel, lodging, a stipend for meals and tickets to Festival screenings and exclusive Ignite events.

“Sundance Institute has always been defined by the spirit of discovery, and eager to advance original voices of new generations of storytellers. By collaborating with Adobe’s Project 1324 and its global community of young creatives, our new Sundance Ignite program asks 18-to-24-year-olds to pick up their cameras or iPhones and show us what’s on their minds,” said Keri Putnam, Executive Director of Sundance Institute, in a statement.

Sundance has long showcased films from up-and-coming young filmmakers, including Kevin Smith’s “Clerks” and Robert Rodriguez’s “El Mariachi.”

The Sundance Ignite program is also intended to build young audiences. Ignite will include a full range of offerings designed to excite a new generation of filmmakers and audience members. The Ignite Ticket Package offers 18-to-24-year-olds exclusive access to new independent films at the Sundance Film Festival as well as opportunities to learn about the film industry and interact with filmmakers. An additional touring program is planned to engage students and emerging filmmakers throughout the country.