Welcome to the 2026 Catalyst Forum Documentary application portal. Before applying, please review the application timeline as well as our program overview, project criteria, and expected deliverables at sundance.org/initiatives/catalyst. Additionally, note these application instructions:
Start Your Application
To create your application, click the “Apply” button on this page and enter your project title as the application name. Next you will be asked to create an account or to log in with apply.sundance.org. This account should be your email address and a unique password that you create. Note: A director or a producer can begin the application on behalf of the project. Each team should only submit one application per project.
After you log in and open the application, use the password provided in your invitation email as the response to the first question in order to unlock the application. Be sure to hit “Submit” on your response, and the site will take you to the application page.
Navigating the Application and Saving Your Work
The application is broken up into multiple sections, each with its own set of questions. Once you complete a section, click “Save and Continue” or “Next.” Your work will be saved, and you can navigate to the next section by referring to the section outline on the left side of the screen.
If you need to pause your work, you will be able to save your work, exit, and reenter the application at a later time.
Demographics Survey
There is a short demographics survey included as part of the application for purposes of record. The team members applying are required to fill out the survey, though you are welcome to select “Prefer not to answer” for any of the questions.
Selections
Finalists will be contacted for video interviews with the Catalyst team in late fall and may be required to submit additional materials, including details on basic film financing terms and team agreements. We will be in touch with all teams on the status of their application by December 2025.
FAQ
Read more about the Catalyst program, criteria, deliverables, timeline, and other FAQ at sundance.org/initiatives/catalyst.
Technical Support
Please contact catalyst@sundance.org if you have any questions.
2026 Catalyst Forum Documentary Application (Invitation Only)
Welcome to the 2026 Catalyst Forum Documentary application portal. Before applying, please review the application timeline as well as our program overview, project criteria, and expected deliverables at sundance.org/initiatives/catalyst. Additionally, note these application instructions:
Start Your Application
To create your application, click the “Apply” button on this page and enter your project title as the application name. Next you will be asked to create an account or to log in with apply.sundance.org. This account should be your email address and a unique password that you create. Note: A director or a producer can begin the application on behalf of the project. Each team should only submit one application per project.
After you log in and open the application, use the password provided in your invitation email as the response to the first question in order to unlock the application. Be sure to hit “Submit” on your response, and the site will take you to the application page.
Navigating the Application and Saving Your Work
The application is broken up into multiple sections, each with its own set of questions. Once you complete a section, click “Save and Continue” or “Next.” Your work will be saved, and you can navigate to the next section by referring to the section outline on the left side of the screen.
If you need to pause your work, you will be able to save your work, exit, and reenter the application at a later time.
Demographics Survey
There is a short demographics survey included as part of the application for purposes of record. The team members applying are required to fill out the survey, though you are welcome to select “Prefer not to answer” for any of the questions.
Selections
Finalists will be contacted for video interviews with the Catalyst team in late fall and may be required to submit additional materials, including details on basic film financing terms and team agreements. We will be in touch with all teams on the status of their application by December 2025.
FAQ
Read more about the Catalyst program, criteria, deliverables, timeline, and other FAQ at sundance.org/initiatives/catalyst.
Technical Support
Please contact catalyst@sundance.org if you have any questions.