Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellowship

The 2026 Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellowship is a collaborative initiative between the Sundance Institute and Adobe designed to discover and support emerging filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 25. This prestigious fellowship is a yearlong program aimed at fostering the development of young, passionate storytellers across the globe by providing them with a platform for artistic growth, mentorship, and financial support. Ten fellows will be selected based on their submission of a one- to fifteen-minute short film that best represents their artistic voice and creative vision. The Sundance Institute, known for its dedication to the growth of independent artists, created the Ignite program to nurture new and diverse voices in the film industry. Adobe, as a longstanding leader in creative software, joins as a presenting partner, offering additional tools and support to assist fellows throughout the program. This collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers who demonstrate originality, innovation, and passion through film. Selected fellows begin the program with an in-person lab held at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts, which provides orientation and an immersive introduction to the fellowship. The support continues throughout the year with monthly webinars, workshops, and collaborative workshares. Fellows are each awarded a $5,000 artist grant and are paired with an alumni mentor from the Sundance Institute, creating a robust environment of guidance and professional development. In addition, participants receive a complimentary 12-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership, further equipping them to execute their creative projects. To apply, eligible filmmakers must submit a short film—completed within 12 months of February 19, 2026—alongside supporting materials for a new project they plan to work on during the fellowship. Acceptable formats for the film include AVI, FLV, MOV (with limitations), MP4, or MPEG-2, and the file must be under 4.9 GB in size. Supporting materials may include lookbooks, script pages (up to five), treatments, or pitch decks, all submitted in PDF format. Only one entry per applicant is allowed, and the film must be directed solely by the applicant. Resubmissions from prior years or co-directed projects are not accepted. Submissions for the fellowship are open from November 11, 2025, to February 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. PST. The application process is straightforward, requiring an uploaded film and project materials via the Sundance Collab platform. All films not in English must include English subtitles. Entries must adhere to the code of conduct on the platform, and the film and materials must be the sole original work of the applicant. Consent must be obtained for any individuals appearing in the film, and all rights remain with the creators. The selected fellows are chosen by a panel of designated Sundance Ignite judges. The program does not require relocation, and international applicants are welcome, provided they meet the age and submission criteria. The project proposed for development during the fellowship does not have to be completed within the fellowship year. For questions, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQ section or attend recorded informational sessions available on the Sundance Collab website. The program is generously su

Submit a short that reflects artistic voice; Ensure originality and permissions; Review supporting materials before submission.