Rolex and Sundance Institute Forge Long-Term Partnership to Champion Self-reliant Filmmaking
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Teh Sundance Institute and Rolex have announced a multi-year partnership, designating the Swiss watchmaker as the Official Partner and Exclusive Timepiece of the renowned nonprofit association. This collaboration will provide crucial support and funding for the Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, bolstering its mission to nurture groundbreaking independent storytellers.
The Sundance Institute is a vital incubator for emerging filmmakers, fostering a diverse range of voices and perspectives.
Through cornerstone initiatives like the January Screenwriters Lab, the June Directors and Screenwriters Lab, and the Screenwriters Intensive, the program offers comprehensive support – from early development to distribution – empowering artists worldwide to realize their creative visions. The partnership will also extend support to ELEVATE, a year-round career development track, and Sundance Collab, the Institute’s digital platform for global filmmaking community connection.
“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,” stated 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.”
A Legacy of Support for Emerging Voices
Sundance Institute’s labs are designed to provide a uniquely immersive and supportive environment for filmmakers. The Directors Lab,now in its 45th year,allows fellows to rehearse,shoot,and edit scenes from their screenplays within a collaborative community. The Screenwriters Lab focuses on script refinement through individual story sessions and group workshops, while the Screenwriters Intensive offers a concentrated workshop experience for honing writing skills.
The impact of these programs is evident in the extraordinary roster of alumni who have gone on to become influential figures in the film industry. notable names include Paul Thomas Anderson, Darren aronofsky, Ryan Coogler, The Daniels, Chloé Zhao, and Quentin Tarantino, among many others.
Rolex’s Commitment to the Arts
Rolex’s support for the Sundance Institute stems from its broader Perpetual Arts Initiative, which champions excellence and the transmission of artistic heritage across various disciplines – including architecture, dance, music, and literature.The company has a long-standing history of supporting the film industry, serving as the Proud sponsor of the Academy Awards® since 2017, hosting the event’s Greenroom and supporting the governors Awards. Rolex is also an Official Partner and Exclusive Timepiece of Film at Lincoln Center.
According to a company release, Rolex’s commitment extends to supporting prominent figures in cinema, including James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Martin scorsese, as well as preserving film history through partnerships with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and The Film Foundation. further information on Rolex’s involvement in cinema can be found at https://newsroom.rolex.com/world-of-rolex/perpetuating-arts-and-culture/rolex-and-cinema/rolex-and-cinema-2025.
Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, the Sundance Institute continues to champion independent storytelling through its labs, granting programs, and digital platform, Sundance Collab. The Institute has supported critically acclaimed projects such as Beasts of the Southern Wild, CODA, and Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).
Individuals interested in supporting the Sundance Institute’s mission can make a donation at sundance.org/donate. you can also connect with the Sundance Institute on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Bluesky.
