Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship 2027: Cash Grants and Mentorship for Indigenous Women Filmmakers Worldwide

Overview

The 2027 Merata Mita Fellowship is administered by the Sundance Institute to commemorate the memory and artistic impact of Merata Mita, a pioneering Māori screenwriter, director, and filmmaker. Mita was the initial Māori woman to independently write and direct a dramatic feature film, and she also worked as an artistic director and advisor for the Native Filmmakers Lab from 2000 to 2009.

Operating internationally during 2027, the fellowship aims to assist Indigenous women artists who are aiming to direct feature films. The programme offers a structured pathway for participants to expand their filmmaking careers, refine their creative work, and share stories originating from their own communities and backgrounds.

What you get

Chosen fellows are awarded cash grants to advance their filmmaking projects, alongside a comprehensive yearlong schedule of creative, strategic, and professional development services provided through the Sundance Institute artist programmes.

Participants also gain entry to mentorship opportunities designed to build creative skills and professional networks, plus a planned excursion to attend the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder, Colorado during January 2027. There is no application fee required to apply for the programme.

Who can apply

The opportunity is open to applicants located within the United States as well as internationally. Candidates must identify as Indigenous artists who are women and are actively working toward directing a feature film, while also committing to take part in the yearlong support programme.

How to apply

Candidates must submit their submissions through the official online application portal provided by the Sundance Institute. Applicants are advised to examine the guidelines and eligibility criteria thoroughly, prepare all requested materials, and complete the submission process prior to the final cutoff.

Key dates

Applications close on November 3, 2026, at 3:30 pm Pacific Time, 4:30 pm Mountain Time, or 6:30 pm Eastern Time. Applicants will receive decisions regarding the fellowship in early December 2026. The fellowship itself spans the 2027 period, featuring a trip to the Sundance Film Festival in January 2027.