Sundance Institute Unveils Fellows for 2024 Screenwriters Programs
The Sundance Institute has recently disclosed the fellows for its 2024 Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive. These programs are designed to foster the development of new and diverse voices in the film industry.
The Screenwriters Lab, scheduled from January 13-17 at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, will see 16 fellows working on 12 selected projects. They will receive mentorship from experienced advisors to refine their scripts. The Lab leaders include Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director of Sundance Institute’s Artist Programs, and Ilyse McKimmie, Deputy Director of the Feature Film Program. Advisors such as Ritesh Batra, Linda Yvette Chávez, and Scott Frank will offer their expertise.
Following the Lab, the Screenwriters Intensive provides a two-day online workshop for 11 writers across eight projects. This segment focuses on first fiction features and will take place from February 29 to March 1.
The selected projects for the January Screenwriters Lab are:
- Brown Baby (U.K./U.S.A.) by Nikesh Shukla and Himesh Patel
- COVER GIRL (U.S.A.) by Kaitlin Fontana and Franchesca Ramsey
- Heather (U.S.A.) by Sylvia Khoury
- Here for the Weekend (U.S.A.) by Jane Casey Modderno
- High Steel (Canada/U.S.A.) by Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs
- Lamok (Philippines/U.S.A.) by Kristine Gerolaga
- La Otra Orilla (Peru) by Francesca Canepa and Miguel Ángel Papalini
- No Love Lost (U.S.A.) by Diana Peralta
- Quince Kings (U.S.A.) by Christian Moldes
- Rubber Hut (U.S.A.) by Hanna Gray Organschi
- Satoshi (U.S.A.) by Sara Crow and David Rafailedes
- Toad (U.K.) by Claire Fowler
For the 2024 Screenwriters Intensive, the following projects and artists have been selected:
- ¡Ay Bendito! (U.S.A.) by Rebecca Iliana Kahn
- Bangbang Teahouse (U.S.A.) by Courtney Loo
- Diary of a Muslim Cynic (U.S.A.) by Sarah Mokh
- Human Negligence (Greece) by Eirini Vianelli and Andrew Gilchrist
- pecan. (U.S.A.) by Nolam Plaas
- Rag Dolls (U.S.A.) by Amy Adler and Ekiwah Adler-Beléndez
- When the Goats Came (New Zealand) by Arthur Elias Gay and Rali Chaouni
- Woman Hollering (U.S.A.) by Lindsey Villarreal
The Sundance Institute has a long-standing history of supporting independent filmmakers. Its Feature Film Program Labs have played a crucial role in nurturing talents like Chloé Zhao and Damien Chazelle. This year's selection of projects and fellows continues the tradition of promoting unique and innovative voices in cinema.
In addition to the project development, the fellows will receive year-round support and guidance from the Sundance Institute, ensuring their projects have a strong foundation for success. This initiative reflects Sundance's commitment to fostering a diverse range of stories and perspectives in the film industry.
The Sundance Institute's Feature Film Program is supported by various organizations and individuals committed to the growth of independent cinema. These include explore.org, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, The Asian American Foundation, and many others, all contributing to the nurturing and development of new filmmaking talent.
The Sundance Institute's announcement of the 2024 Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive fellows marks a significant step in supporting emerging filmmakers. These programs offer an invaluable opportunity for these artists to develop their unique voices and bring fresh, compelling stories to the global film audience.