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The Sundance Institute has launched a new program to help connect the next generation of young filmmakers to the world of independent film.
The institute today announced the Sundance Ignite program, which will offer 18-to-24-year-olds access to independent film and filmmaking experiences — including events at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
Sundance Ignite, with support from Adobe through the software company's Project 1324 initiative, will play host to an online short-film challenge for filmmakers 18 to 24. Five winners of the challenge will attend Sundance next January in Park City.
Filmmakers are asked to submit original films, between one and eight minutes long, that explore the theme "What's Next." Entries will be judged on technical skill, creative interpretation of the challenge, demonstration of an original voice, innovative storytelling, and strong character or subject development. Films will be accepted between Oct. 29 and Nov. 16 at the Project 1324 website.
The five winners will receive special opportunities to meet with Sundance Institute staff and alumni as part of a Sundance Ignite Fellowship — and a chance to attend the 2016 Sundance Film Festival including travel, lodging, a meal stipend, and tickets to festival screenings and exclusive events.
The festival is also offering a new ticket package, the "Ignite Package," for people 18-to-24. The package offers 10 tickets, five ticket vouchers (for wait-list or redemption at the Main Box Office), a pre-selected screening ticket for Saturday, Jan. 30, access to special panels and events, and one credential — all for $250. The ticket package goes on sale starting Wednesday at noon Mountain time.