What will I need to apply?
All applicants must submit a completed online application by the deadline of  October 14, 2024 (3:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. MT/6:30 p.m. ET).
In addition to responses to the required application questions, a complete application includes a full script (narrative feature) or synopsis/outline (documentaries only), two professional reference letters from persons familiar with your work, a short bio, headshot, résumé, and proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy to a California-based tribe.

How do I provide proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy?
Examples of proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy may include your Tribal ID card, CDIB, or any other documentation that may pertain to your connection to your tribal community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at Indigenous_program@sundance.org.

What benefits do I receive as part of this fellowship?
With the support of Sundance Institute and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, two fellows will be selected to receive an award of $25,000 for a feature project in development or production. In addition to the award, the Graton fellow will receive yearlong creative mentorship from the Indigenous Program staff, access to creative and professional development opportunities, access to Sundance Collab, and support to attend the Sundance Film Festival.

Why is this opportunity available only to artists with tribal affiliations in California? 
The Indigenous Program offers creative support to our global community of Indigenous artists through the Merata Mita Fellowship, Native Lab, and other opportunities offered throughout the year. The Graton Fellowship is made possible as part of a $4 million endowment from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to facilitate support for Indigenous Californians. California is one of the most tribally diverse states in the nation. While many films are made on their ancestral lands, the California Native perspective is underrepresented on and behind the screen. This fellowship is geared toward identifying and cultivating California Native filmmakers to share their stories.

Is this fellowship only open to feature-length narrative projects?
This fellowship is open to narrative features or feature documentaries. Only one project and application can be submitted per cycle. For narrative features, a full script, logline, and description of your project must be submitted at the time of application. For documentaries, a synopsis/outline, logline, and description of your project must be submitted at the time of application.

What is the review process?
The Indigenous Program staff will thoroughly review each application, and decisions will be made by November 2024. Additional verification of tribal enrollment or affiliation is completed by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Applicants will receive a notification by email from the Indigenous Program.

What if I am not selected? Will feedback be provided?
While we do not offer automatic feedback at this time, we are happy to set up an appointment to discuss applications individually.