PARK CITY, UTAH, October 15, 2025 – The nonprofit Sundance Institute is pleased to announce Rolex as its Official Partner and Exclusive Timepiece. Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Programwill be in partnership with the Swiss watchmaking brand for multiple years providing direct support and granting.
For over 40 years, the Feature Film Program has been a cornerstone of Sundance Institute’s mission, nurturing many of the most groundbreaking and resonant voices in cinema. Through signature initiatives that include the January Screenwriters Lab, June Directors and Screenwriters Lab, and the Screenwriters Intensive, the program offers deep, sustained creative and strategic support from early development to distribution — empowering artists around the world to tell their most authentic stories. In addition, the partnership supports ELEVATE, the year-round career and professional development track providing resources and funding opportunities that advance their projects and careers, along with free access to Sundance Collab — the Institute’s digital platform for learning and connection with a global filmmaking community.
Rolex supports Sundance Institute through its Perpetual Arts Initiative. The brand is committed to promoting excellence and the transmission of artistic heritage to the next generation. The Institute’s programs provide emerging filmmakers with dynamic support at every step of the creative journey and champion unique storytelling.
“We are honored to continue the mission and inspiring vision of our Founder, Robert Redford, who redefined cinema and provided a nurturing place for independent storytellers to develop their projects through creating Sundance Institute,” said Michelle Satter, Sundance Institute Founding Senior Director, Artist Programs. “We are incredibly grateful to Rolex for collaborating with us to uplift artists and their stories. Their foundational support makes it possible for us to continue to empower a new generation of independent filmmakers to bring bold, original work to life. Together, we are creating space for emerging artists to thrive and evolve through the Institute’s artist-centered development process and continuum of creative and strategic support. We are excited to grow this partnership in the years ahead.”
Sundance Institute’s renowned labs offer filmmakers a nurturing, immersive environment to develop their projects and refine their artistic voice under the guidance of esteemed creative advisors. At the Directors Lab, celebrating its 45th year, the fellows rehearse, shoot, and edit scenes from their original screenplays in a dynamic, collaborative community. During the Screenwriters Lab, fellows refine their scripts through individual story sessions with advisors and group sessions on the craft of screenwriting. The Screenwriters Intensive provides emerging screenwriters with the opportunity to hone their writing in a concentrated workshop.
Alumni of Sundance Institute labs include some of the most influential voices in film: Paul Thomas Anderson, Gregg Araki, Darren Aronofsky, Lisa Cholodenko, Nia DaCosta, Ryan Coogler, The Daniels, Robert Eggers, Rick Famuyiwa, David Gordon Green, Sterlin Harjo, Marielle Heller, Miranda July, Nikyatu Jusu, James Mangold, John Cameron Mitchell, Kimberly Peirce, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Boots Riley, A.V. Rockwell, Ira Sachs, Walter Salles, Quentin Tarantino, Erica Tremblay, Taika Waititi, Lulu Wang, Sean Wang, and Chloé Zhao.
