Hearthland Foundation commits $3 million to Sundance Institute

Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw’s Hearthland Foundation has committed $3 million over three years to Sundance Institute, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s interview with institute leaders. The money will support its feature-film programme, increase fellowships and unrestricted grants for independent artists, and fund the directors lab’s return to Utah.

The lab temporarily moved from Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah to Colorado while construction was underway at the resort. The programme gives emerging filmmakers time to develop their stories and learn from experienced advisers.

More funding for independent filmmakers

The commitment combines funding for Sundance’s programmes with direct financial support for artists. Unrestricted grants are not tied to a specified use. The Hollywood Reporter describes the gift as one of the largest contributions in the institute’s history.

Michelle Satter, Sundance Institute’s founding senior director of artist programmes, said the lab gives emerging artists opportunities to learn and take creative risks. Filmmakers supported early in their careers later return as advisers to a new generation, she said.

Satter did not specify individual grant amounts or how many additional artists would receive support. She said the gift will underwrite the directors lab’s return to Sundance Mountain Resort, bringing the programme back to its original home.