Park City, UT – July 24, 2023: Sundance Institute’s 2023 Producers Lab and Intensive Fellows have been unveiled.
The renowned Sundance Institute has taken the stage once again to announce the eagerly awaited roster of exceptional talent selected for the coveted 2023 Producers Lab and Producers Intensive programs. With its unwavering commitment to nurturing independent filmmakers, the Institute has handpicked 10 producers for the Producers Lab and 11 for the Producers Intensive, each heralded for their remarkable achievements in fiction and nonfiction film.
The Producers Lab, scheduled from July 24th to 28th at the scenic Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, stands as a transformative platform for fiction and nonfiction independent film producers. Through intimate group sessions and personalized one-on-one meetings with seasoned producer advisors, the chosen fellows will have the unparalleled opportunity to fine-tune their creative instincts, enhance problem-solving acumen, and craft effective strategies for financing, production, and navigating the intricate terrain of the marketplace.
The fiction film lineup for the Producers Lab boasts the likes of Pierre M. Coleman, the mastermind behind “Ricky,” Julia Kennelly with her captivating project “Clare,” and Liz Lian, who shines with “Skin.” Also among the selected visionaries are Valerie Castillo Martinez, the driving force behind “Anita,” and Cameron Morton, who brings the mesmerizing “Lollygag” to the forefront. Meanwhile, the nonfiction category boasts an equally dynamic ensemble, featuring Colleen Cassingham’s riveting “Life After,” Nicole Docta’s poignant “The Dead Zone,” and Emma D. Miller’s captivating “Untitled Mistress Dispeller Project.” Jolene Pinder’s “Fun House” and Flor de oro Tejada’s “Wild Darlings Sing the Blues (And It’s a Song of Freedom)” further elevate the nonfiction lineup with their distinct narratives.
Guiding the talented producers through the Producers Lab are esteemed producer advisors including Nina Yang Bongiovi, Neil Kopp, Jordana Mollick, Elsa Ramo, and Anish Savjani for fiction films. The nonfiction realm will be enriched by the insights of Sabaah Folayan, Cristina Ibarra, Andrea Meditch, Bob Moore, and Diane Quon.
Shira Rockowitz, the Producing and Artist Support Director, along with Kristin Feeley, the Deputy Director of the Documentary Film Program, have expressed their deep admiration for the selected projects and the unwavering determination of the producers. Both directors underscored the paramount importance of the labs in providing unwavering support to independent producers and fostering a new generation of creative entrepreneurs, a mission close to Sundance Institute’s heart.
Moving forward, the Producers Intensive is set to unfold, offering a dynamic two-day concentrated workshop to early career rising producers hailing from traditionally underrepresented communities. This intensive program will equip the chosen fellows with creative acumen, strategic prowess, and professional development support to amplify their artistic endeavors.
The fiction film segment of the Producers Intensive boasts an extraordinary lineup, featuring Alifya Ali and Samantha Skinner’s compelling “’06-’07,” Paula González-Nasser’s stirring “Saca Tu Lengua,” and Kyra Knox’s soul-stirring “South Side Girls.” Xin Li brings the captivating “Santa Anita” to the fore, while Tony Yang’s poignant “Let The Sleepers Lie” promises to leave a lasting impact. In the nonfiction realm, Karla Claudio-Betancourt’s evocative “Matininó” is set to captivate audiences, alongside Alan Domínguez’s powerful “Commerce City” and Artemis Fannin’s thought-provoking “Untitled Epilepsy Documentary.” The lineup further includes Brit Fryer’s poignant “Adam’s Apple” and Chelsea Moore’s intriguing “Untitled Texas Doc.”
The Sundance Institute Producers Program, with invaluable support from the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Charitable Foundation, Amazon Studios, SAGindie, Delta Air Lines, and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the growth and development of exceptional producers within the independent film landscape.
Additionally, the Feature Film Program, generously supported by explore.org, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, United Airlines, and other esteemed sponsors, has been instrumental in advancing innovative filmmaking. Similarly, the Documentary Film Program, which enjoys founding support from the Open Society Foundations and generous backing from numerous organizations and donors, has made an indelible mark in amplifying diverse voices and unique perspectives.
As the Sundance Institute prepares to welcome the 2023 Producers Lab and Intensive Fellows at the Sundance Mountain Resort, film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike eagerly anticipate the powerful narratives and groundbreaking stories that will emerge from this year’s cohort of talented producers.
