November 22, 2024, Park City, UT — In a vibrant statement today, the esteemed nonprofit Sundance Institute unveiled exciting details regarding its upcoming gala fundraiser for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, aptly titled Celebrating Sundance Institute Presented by Google TV. This anticipated event is set to shine bright on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah, offering a night filled with celebration and inspiration. The evening will particularly honor the remarkable Michelle Satter, who serves as the Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at the Sundance Institute, highlighting her unwavering commitment to supporting and nurturing artists in the independent film realm over the past four decades. Satter’s pivotal role at the Sundance Labs has been instrumental in fostering a platform where visionary artists gather to explore and develop innovative projects through a meticulous and collaborative creative process.
The annual gala plays a crucial role in empowering the nonprofit to raise essential funds aimed at supporting independent artists throughout the year. This support extends through various avenues, including artist labs, grants, and public programming that seek to uplift creators from all corners of the globe. The generosity of Google TV significantly contributes to making the 2025 event a reality. The wider Festival is set to take place from January 23–February 2, 2025, in both Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. For those unable to attend in person, a selection of titles will be available online from January 30–February 2, 2025, allowing audiences nationwide to experience and engage with bold independent storytelling.
“For over four decades, Michelle has been devoted to truly championing independent storytellers,” stated Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO of Sundance Institute. “Her relentless encouragement has empowered artists to embrace their unique voices, refine their craft, and evolve into formidable leaders, fostering resilience in an ever-evolving media landscape. Satter’s commitment to supporting artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities, has been pivotal in producing some of the most brave and distinctive films that resonate with audiences around the globe and help sustain their visionary journeys throughout their careers. Furthermore, we are delighted to acknowledge Sean Wang, Julian Brave NoiseCat, and Emily Kassie — remarkable filmmakers who exemplify the next wave of independent storytelling, all of whom have benefited from the support of the Institute. Our gala, Celebrating Sundance Institute, offers an opportunity for our guests to contribute to our vital mission of launching and sustaining artists’ work and highlighting their immeasurable impact on our world.”
Beginning her journey in 1981, Michelle Satter worked alongside legendary actor and director Robert Redford, who founded the Sundance Institute. Together with a passionate team of leaders and collaborators, they established transformative mentoring methods for emerging independent storytellers, fostering a creative and rigorous environment that began with the annual June Filmmakers Lab. Satter has played a significant mentoring role for generations of award-winning filmmakers, including notable names like Quentin Tarantino, Chloé Zhao, Dee Rees, and many others. Throughout her tenure, Satter has expanded the Episodic Program, Producers Program, and various global initiatives, overseeing distinct programs targeted towards Indigenous artists and documentary filmmaking. Additionally, she founded Sundance Collab, a groundbreaking digital platform promoting storytelling, learning, and community engagement that is available to creators around the globe.
Satter’s influence has not gone unnoticed; she has received numerous accolades for her contributions to film and advocacy, including the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science’s 2024 Governors Awards, and various other honors that recognize her impactful work.
“Championing independent artists through the Sundance Institute has been the driving force of my career,” Satter expressed. “I’m passionately invested in this work because I believe that art and storytelling can reshape our understanding of the world, foster empathy, and drive connection among diverse global audiences. Our Labs have evolved into essential havens for creativity, risk-taking, and community — establishing an impactful model for artist support that resonates worldwide. In today’s fast-changing industry landscape, the mission of Sundance and other innovative organizations has never been more vital, creating new pathways for independent artists and amplifying the voices that deserve to be amplified.”
The annual Vanguard Awards Presented by Acura recognize emerging artists whose work epitomizes the art of storytelling and celebrates creative independence, both in fiction and nonfiction formats. The Vanguard Award for Fiction will be given to Sean Wang, the talented writer-director behind Dìdi (弟弟), while Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, co-directors of Sugarcane, will receive the Vanguard Award for Nonfiction. Previous recipients of these prestigious awards include a list of remarkable talents such as Celine Song, W. Kamau Bell, and more.
Academy Award® nominee Sean Wang captured attention with his acclaimed short film, Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó. His first feature film, Dìdi (弟弟), illustrates the commitment of the Sundance Institute to uplifting and nurturing independent storytellers and their distinct projects throughout the year via various support programs. Sean’s work on Dìdi (弟弟) was enhanced significantly thanks to support from the Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellowship and the Institute’s reputable Directors and Screenwriters Labs. Following a triumphant premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it not only secured the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award but also the Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Cast, Dìdi (弟弟) was acquired by Focus Features and achieved a successful box office performance during its summer 2024 theatrical release. The film’s success continued internationally as it premiered as the opening night film at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival: Asia in Taipei and was featured as the closing night film at the Sundance Film Festival: London 2024.
“For over a decade, Sundance has been my north star, symbolizing artistic excellence and bold, distinct voices,” Sean Wang remarked. “It has evolved into a community of artists, serving as an unwavering support system and a creative haven for myself and my initial feature, Dìdi (弟弟). Thanks to the transformative nature of the programs offered, I can attest to the depth of support provided to emerging storytellers. The experience of attending the Sundance Labs just months prior to filming my movie invigorated and inspired me. That sense of encouragement is invaluable, and I endeavor to pass it along to others. I’m profoundly grateful for this award, especially as I look forward to witnessing how independent cinema continues to flourish under Michelle Satter’s unwavering vision and dedication to nurturing new artists.”
Co-directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie debuted their documentary Sugarcane at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, earning the U.S. Documentary Directing Award for their compelling work. Filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat hails from the Canim Lake Band and is a proud descendant of the Lil’Wat Nation, with his long-awaited first book set to release in 2025. Recognized as an Emmy and Peabody nominated filmmaker, Emily Kassie’s investigative journalism spans critical issues for esteemed organizations like The New York Times and Netflix, showcasing her relentless passion for impactful storytelling.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Vanguard Award for Sugarcane,” echoed Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie. “Sundance provided us with an invaluable platform to not only learn but to flourish, enriched through the guidance and kindness of mentors and fellow artists. The unfurling magic of that memorable afternoon at the Library Center Theatre—when the lights dimmed and we held hands in anticipation—will forever remain etched in our hearts. It was a defining moment for us and our participants, who bravely shared their experiences on screen, marking the recognition of a much overlooked yet essential history, through the beacon that is Sundance. The platform enabled us to reach a global audience at such a crucial time, not only for the First Peoples of North America but for everyone who calls this land home. We are immensely grateful to be part of this incredible legacy and for the celebration of Sugarcane and its community.”
For more information regarding tables and tickets, interested parties can visit sundance.org/gala or reach out via email at [email protected].
Sundance Film Festival®
The Sundance Film Festival has established itself as a paramount gathering of original storytellers and engaged audiences eager to discover fresh perspectives and unique voices since its inception in 1985. With its platform, hundreds of films have moved on to attain critical recognition and connect with diverse audiences worldwide. Over the years, *Sundance* has been the birthplace of numerous groundbreaking films, such as CODA, Get Out, and Hereditary. This iconic celebration encompasses a rich array of film formats, innovative storytelling, performances, and engaging panel discussions. The 2025 Festival will take place from January 23–February 2, 2025, both in person and online, providing a rich experience for all attendees who seek to connect with groundbreaking artists and films. Stay connected with the Festival through its website at festival.sundance.org and follow along on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
The Festival is a proud program of the Sundance Institute’s nonprofit organization. The list of sponsors for the 2025 Festival to date includes a strong roster of Presenting Sponsors, such as Acura, Adobe, and AMC+. The generous contributions from these organizations not only offset festival costs but also help sustain the Institute’s year-round initiatives supporting independent artists. For more information, visit their site at festival.sundance.org.
Sundance Institute
As an advocate and curator of independent narratives across media, the Sundance Institute dedicates itself to providing an empowering space for storytellers to thrive. Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, the Institute’s signature programs, including labs, granting, and mentorship initiatives, unfold throughout the year both domestically and internationally. The digital platform Sundance Collab invites a global community of working artists to connect and share their creative endeavors. The Sundance Film Festival, alongside various public programs, fosters an engaged audience while nurturing original storytelling. Through the ongoing work of Sundance Institute artist programs, iconic films like Beasts of the Southern Wild, The Farewell, Minari, and many more have been launched into the cinematic world—sharing impactful stories that resonate with audiences. Engage with the Sundance Institute’s unparalleled legacy of nurturing transformative narratives and vibrant artists by making a donation at sundance.org/donate. Stay connected with Sundance Institute on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.
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MEDIA CONTACTS: Tammie Rosen, [email protected]; Tiffany Duersch, [email protected]; Alex Courides, [email protected]; Sylvy Fernandez, [email protected]
How does the Sundance Institute adapt its programs to support the evolving needs of emerging filmmakers?
Cates itself to empowering artists and supporting the development of their creative visions. Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, the Institute has become a pivotal hub for independent storytelling, focusing on the cultivation of new talent and bold narratives that tackle important social, cultural, and political themes.
Through various programs such as the Labs, fellowships, and workshops, the Institute provides emerging artists with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to bring their projects to life. The organization champions diversity and inclusion in the arts, advocating for underrepresented voices and offering unique opportunities for artists from various backgrounds, including Indigenous creators and documentary filmmakers.
With a mission to inspire creativity and foster a community of visionaries, the Sundance Institute continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking, ensuring that the next generation of artists receives the support they need to create impactful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. By providing essential resources and platforms for artists, Sundance plays a fundamental role in shaping the future of film and storytelling, committed to nurturing the voices that will define the cultural landscape for years to come.
