Sundance Collab Cultural Impact Residency: Honoring the Legacy of Michael Latt – Apply Before 3 November 2025

The Sundance Collab Cultural Impact Residency invites early-career, underrepresented storytellers to engage in a six-month creative experience that merges artistry with social impact. Designed in honor of the late Michael Latt, a visionary leader in social justice and creative advocacy, this residency empowers artists whose work is deeply rooted in community, culture, and change.

Applications for the 2026 Cultural Impact Residency are now open, with the deadline set for Monday, November 3, 2025, at 4 PM MT.

Purpose of the Residency

The Cultural Impact Residency celebrates the enduring influence of Michael Latt, a passionate advocate who used creativity as a force for equity, compassion, and justice. The programme aims to amplify underrepresented voices in film and media by offering mentorship, professional guidance, and a supportive network to artists committed to social transformation.

Running from March to August 2026, the residency seeks to inspire and equip creators to tell stories that challenge narratives, foster understanding, and drive systemic change.

Structure and Benefits

Up to eight fellows will be selected for this prestigious programme across three tracks:

• Screenwriting/TV Writing
• Writer/Directing
• Documentary Filmmaking

Each fellow will benefit from:

• Two one-on-one meetings with Sundance Collab Advisors to receive personalized feedback on their work.
• Bi-monthly cohort meetings to share creative progress and build community.
• A dedicated meeting with staff from the applicable Sundance Artist Program.
• A Sundance Collab Library Pass, granting access to the platform’s extensive Video Library, which includes Master Classes and event recordings.
• Two free courses of their choosing, enhancing their professional and creative skillsets.

Through these components, fellows will receive practical tools and creative mentorship to further develop their voices as artists of impact.

Honoring Michael Latt

The residency stands as a living tribute to Michael Latt, a beloved figure in the entertainment and advocacy sectors. As the founder and CEO of Lead with Love, he built bridges between art, activism, and storytelling.

Throughout his career, Latt collaborated with leading artists and institutions, including Common, Glenn Kaino, BMike, Samora Pinderhughes, Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY, the Sundance Film Festival, and the Directors Guild of America. His work extended to initiatives such as Blackout for Human Rights, The Hope & Redemption Prison Tour, and the acclaimed MLK Now event series.

Latt’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of creators to use film and narrative as tools for justice, empathy, and cultural connection.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: November 3, 2025 (4 PM MT)
• Finalist Notification: December 19, 2025
• Finalist Materials Due: January 5, 2026
• Selected Artists Announced: February 28, 2026
• Residency Dates: March 2 – August 31, 2026

Selection Process

The application process involves two rounds. Finalists will be asked to submit a work sample relevant to their chosen track:

• Screenwriter/TV Writer: A short screenplay, pilot, or feature-length script (PDF).
• Writer/Director: A short or feature film (link submission).
• Documentary Director: A short or feature documentary (link submission).

Submissions will be evaluated for creative vision, storytelling craft, and social impact potential.

Eligibility and Qualification

The residency is open to early-career artists from any country whose work engages with social or cultural impact themes.

• “Early career” is defined as having less than seven years of professional experience or working on a first major project.
• Applicants must have English proficiency, as the programme is conducted in English.

The programme specifically supports underrepresented storytellers, including:

• Artists from historically marginalized communities.
• Women, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
• LGBTQ2+ artists.
• Artists with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
• Artists from rural or underserved regions.
• Individuals with limited access to formal training or institutional support.

The goal is to foster inclusion, equity, and authentic representation in the global storytelling landscape.

Application Questions

Applicants will be asked to respond to the following prompts:

1. Describe your project and your personal connection to it (up to 500 words).
2. Outline your journey as an artist and your goals for the next year (up to 300 words).
3. Explain how this residency will support your growth and your work (up to 300 words).
4. Indicate which track you are applying for:
   • Screenwriter/TV Writer
   • Writer/Director
   • Documentary Director

Building a Legacy of Impact

The Cultural Impact Residency is more than a training opportunity—it is a movement of creative activism, inspired by Michael Latt’s belief in the power of love and storytelling to drive social change.

Through mentorship, collaboration, and artistic courage, Sundance Collab continues to uphold his vision by supporting filmmakers who create with purpose and impact.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.