Sundance Institute Announces 2026 Screenwriters Lab and Intensive Fellows
In a recent announcement, the Sundance Institute revealed the selected fellows for its 2026 Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive programs. These initiatives aim to cultivate creativity and empower emerging voices within the independent film community. This year’s selection drew from an impressive pool of over 3,800 submissions, showcasing the immense talent in the film industry today.
Screenwriters Lab Details
The 2026 Screenwriters Lab will take place from January 17 to January 21 at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah. This venue holds historical significance as it is the birthplace of the Sundance Institute labs, founded in 1981 by Robert Redford. The lab aims to provide a supportive environment where emerging screenwriters can refine their scripts under expert guidance.
Fellows of the Screenwriters Lab
- Sarah Friedland (U.S.A.) – The Queue
- Aditi Brennan Kapil (U.S.A.) – Love Person
- Taylor Sanghyun Lee (U.S.A.) – Rounds
- Naishe Nyamubaya (Zimbabwe) – Black Snake
- Bec Pecaut (Canada) – The Terrible Child
- Joanna Rothkopf (U.S.A.) – Attachment (also known as Bluey is the Warmest Color)
- Philip Thompson (U.S.A.) – Dance Monkey Dance
- George Watsky (U.S.A.) – yellowwood
- Cecelia Wheeler (U.S.A.) – Clear-Cut
- Said Zagha (Palestine, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) – Black Harvest
- Renee Zhan (U.K.) – BAOBAO
With the guidance of experienced advisors, these selected filmmakers will enhance their unique storytelling methods and explore a variety of genres. They will delve into emotional narratives that resonate globally.
Screenwriters Intensive Overview
The Screenwriters Intensive is set to be conducted online on March 5 and 6, featuring 13 writers across nine projects. This program aims to nurture their development for first fiction features.
Notable Alumni
Previous participants of the Screenwriters Intensive have gone on to achieve remarkable success. Alumni include:
- Tory Kamen – Eleanor the Great
- Reinaldo Marcus Green – Monsters and Men
- Roger Ross Williams – Cassandro
- Laurel Parmet – The Starling Girl
- Vuk Lungulov-Klotz – Mutt
These artists exemplify the powerful storytelling capabilities fostered through the Sundance Institute programs.
Continuing Legacy and Support
The Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous filmmakers over the last 40 years. Noteworthy alumni include Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler, and Chloé Zhao, who developed their debut films through the Institute’s labs.
Support for these initiatives is further emphasized by collaborations with various organizations such as Rolex and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Institute remains committed to empowering artists and enriching the landscape of independent film.
Conclusion
The Sundance Institute’s announcement for the 2026 Screenwriters Lab and Intensive highlights its dedication to nurturing new voices in cinema. By supporting these talented individuals, the Institute continues its legacy as a premier institution for independent filmmaking.
