Applications are open for the 2027 Sundance Institute Graton Fellowship, which will award two artists from California-based tribes $25,000 each and provide a year of creative and professional support.
The application is free and closes November 16, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time, or 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Featured photo: Elio Yañez, showing a cinematographer operating a professional digital cinema camera, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. The image is illustrative and is not connected to Sundance Institute or the Graton Fellowship.
Why it matters
The fellowship combines a cash grant with yearlong mentorship, creative services, professional-development opportunities, Sundance Collab access, and support connected to the Sundance Film Festival. That mix can help a feature move forward while strengthening the artist's longer-term network and strategy.
Who is eligible
The opportunity is for artists from federally or nonfederally recognized California-based tribes. Applicants must provide proof of tribal affiliation or lineal descendancy. Sundance's FAQ says acceptable documentation may include a Tribal ID card, a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, or other documentation of connection to a tribal community.
The fellowship supports one narrative feature or feature-length documentary in development or production. It does not accept shorts or episodic projects through this application.
What the application requires
Narrative-feature applicants must submit a full script, logline, and project description. Documentary applicants must provide a synopsis or outline, logline, and project description. Only one project and one application may be submitted in the cycle.
Sundance says Indigenous Program staff will review the applications and decisions are expected in late December 2026. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria will complete additional verification of tribal enrollment or affiliation.
Prepare before the deadline
Applicants should resolve affiliation documentation early and leave time to review the feature materials as one package. The logline, project description, and script or documentary outline should describe the same story, stage, and creative direction. Questions about eligibility or documentation can be directed to the Sundance Indigenous Program through the contact listed on the official application.
Review the official application and deadline →
Primary sources
Update note
Published October 3, 2026, using Sundance Institute's live application, fellowship FAQ, and opportunities page. Applicants should confirm the current requirements before submitting.