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Sundance Documentary Program: Open for applications

Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, formerly on a rolling submission basis, is now moving to a deadline system for the first time ever.

Each year, the Sundance Documentary Program awards more than $1.5 million in grants to support documentary films focused on contemporary social issues. The Sundance Documentary Fund considers proposals in two categories—Research & Development OR Production & Post-Production. Development grants are for research through pre-production and range up to $20,000. Production & Post-production grants now range up to $100,000. Production & Post-production proposals require a minimum of a 20 minute work-in-progress reel, ideally conveying the vision for the film. Shorter cuts, trailers and teasers are welcome in Development proposals but are not required.

The fund is very competitive, generally receiving between 500 and 1000 applications per year and making nearly 50 awards annually. A panel of film professionals and human rights experts conduct a review of each docket, and make recommendations based on their insight and expertise. Proposals to the Documentary Fund are evaluated on effective storytelling, global relevance, originality, artist vision, and potential for social engagement. Films supported have included My Country, My Country; Why We Fight; Born Into Brothels; Iraq in Fragments; The Inner Tour; The Devil Came on Horseback; and Everything's Cool.
 
The Sundance Documentary Film Program supports cinematic feature films about contemporary social issues from the US and internationally, primarily films that combine storytelling artistry with social relevance. The Program consists of the Sundance Documentary Fund, the Documentary Edit Lab and Documentary Composer Lab, support activities at the Sundance Producer’s Conference and the Sundance Film Festival, work-in-progress screenings at selected festivals globally, and intensive editorial and creative support. The Sundance Documentary Fund is the access point and application process for the other creative services.

The Sundance Documentary Fund now has deadlines twice a year. Proposals should be submitted anytime before the deadline by visiting the website. Current deadlines are July 7, 2008 and February 5, 2009 for both development and production proposals. Decisions take up to six months. Visit the websites at www.sundance.org/documentary and www.sundance.org/docsource for further information and to apply.
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See also: www.sundance.org