UCLA TFT and Sundance Institute Announce Multi-Year Partnership to Advance Independent Filmmaking
The UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT) and the Sundance Institute have entered into a multi-year partnership designed to bridge the gap between academic film education and the professional independent cinema industry. The collaboration, which begins in September 2026, integrates the Sundance Institute’s industry-focused resources with UCLA’s academic infrastructure and the legacy of the L.A. Rebellion. The initiative will roll out in phases through 2028, featuring a digital hub, professional development programs, and an annual summit.
Sundance Collab and Digital Integration
Beginning in September 2026, the Sundance Collab x UCLA TFT Digital Hub will provide students and faculty with access to the Sundance Institute’s digital community platform. This hub is designed to offer curated content, expert-led classes, and industry insights that address the practical aspects of a filmmaking career—often referred to as the “hidden curriculum” of the industry. According to Michelle Satter, founding senior director of Sundance Institute Artist Programs and Sundance Collab, this platform aims to amplify independent voices and expand educational access for emerging storytellers globally. The hub is scheduled to expand to the broader UCLA campus community in 2027.
Professional Development and Festival Access
A core component of the partnership is the UCLA Bridge Intensive, a hybrid program slated for a 2027 launch. This program focuses on the transition from student life to professional practice, targeting students in their senior year and beyond. The curriculum includes alumni mentorship, seminars on distribution and representation, and professional pitching training. A significant element of this experience is the Sundance Film Festival Experience, which will provide a curated cohort of UCLA TFT students with direct access to the festival, providing them with real-world exposure to the independent film ecosystem.
Annual Summer Summit at UCLA
Starting in the summer of 2027, the partnership will establish the Summer Summit of Sundance Institute at UCLA. Hosted on the UCLA campus, this annual convening is intended to serve as a flagship event for emerging filmmakers and creative leaders. While the initial launch is planned as a one-day gathering, the goal is to evolve the event into a two-day summit. The programming will focus on career navigation, the intersection of creative technology and storytelling, and strategies for building global audiences.
Long-Term Goals and New Technologies
The partnership includes a commitment to develop a joint program by 2028 that focuses on new technologies in film and theater. This initiative is designed to align with the L.A. Rebellion legacy— the most significant movement in American independent cinema—while maintaining the academic rigor of UCLA TFT.
“This is what it looks like when the premier institution for independent film comes to the premier public film school and says, ‘Let’s build something together,’” said Celine Parreñas Shimizu, dean of UCLA TFT.
The agreement is structured as a five-year phased collaboration. Greg Sarris, a member of the UC Board of Regents and the Sundance Board, stated that the partnership is intended to serve as a national model for how film education and the industry can work together to support the next generation of storytellers. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions to provide a direct, sustainable pathway for students to enter the independent film industry.