Largest Donation In Sundance Institute History Gifted By California Tribe

On Wednesday, the Sundance Institute announced the receipt of the largest endowment donation in its history. A $4M endowment was provided by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, designated specifically to bolster the Institute’s Indigenous Program. This generous contribution will offer unprecedented support to artists from tribes based in California, inclusive of both federally and non-federally recognized tribes.

The gift was made possible through the efforts of FIGR Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris, who himself was a participant in the Sundance Institute’s Screenwriters Lab in 1992. This donation will enable the Sundance Institute to enhance the Indigenous Program’s existing services, a key part of the Institute’s initiatives. The program was formally launched in 1994, but its roots extend back to the Institute’s establishment in 1981. At that time, founder Robert Redford invited Native American filmmakers to join in the Sundance Institute’s initial meetings and its inaugural filmmaking lab.

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria | Sundance Institute Endowment will promptly facilitate the inception of a new fellowship. This will cater to both emerging and mid-career Indigenous artists associated with a Californian tribe, who are engaged in project development or production. Recipients will benefit from a $25,000 grant, a year-long creative mentorship from the Indigenous Program staff, access to creative and professional development resources, and assistance to attend the Sundance Film Festival. The donation will also fund the establishment of scholarships within Sundance Collab, the Sundance Institute’s digital learning platform. Applications are currently being accepted until August 28th for the initial round of fellowships and scholarships, set to be awarded in 2024.

“As a nonprofit, the Institute is so grateful to Greg Sarris and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria on this incredibly generous gift that will ensure we are able to continue meaningfully supporting the development of the careers of Indigenous storytellers from tribes throughout the state of California,” said the Sundance Institute’s CEO, Joana Vicente. “It means a lot to us that so many Native talents will be provided a space to learn, connect, and create thanks to this substantial support, and we’re especially appreciative of Greg for giving back to the Sundance family he has belonged to for decades.”

Adam Piron, Director of the Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program said, “So much of cinema’s history and the establishment of the American film industry has been created within California, but very rarely has it ever included the people on whose very land sustained it. That’s why it’s so heartening to think of all the artists that will benefit from this generous gift. The ripple effect of the opportunities created through this endowment will be significant. Our program is dedicated to empowering a broad range of Indigenous voices, and we’re so excited to be able to expand our mission, specifically to California Indigenous tribes, with the addition of the fellowship and Collab scholarships.”

Tribal Chairman Sarris added, “When I was a part of the Screenwriter’s Lab at Sundance in 1992, I witnessed firsthand the incredible support that the Institute provides to all artists, but Indigenous talent specifically. We are excited to see the creative breakthroughs from future fellows and scholarship recipients. Supporting and nurturing these artists will open up pathways to success for the entire California Indigenous creative community and enable us to tell our stories.”

The Sundance Institute has backed numerous distinguished Indigenous artists throughout its history, including but not limited to Sydney Freeland, Sterlin Harjo, Sky Hopinka, Blackhorse Lowe, Fox Maxy, Caroline Monnet, Shaandiin Tome, Erica Tremblay, and Taika Waititi.