The Sundance Institute has revealed the fellows selected for its 2025 Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive programs. These initiatives provide emerging filmmakers with guidance and support to develop their first or second independent features.

The Screenwriters Lab, running January 18–22 at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, will host 11 fellows chosen from over 3,380 submissions. Guided by experienced creative advisors such as Ritesh Batra, Scott Z. Burns, and Marielle Heller, participants will focus on advancing their scripts. The lab is led by Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director of Sundance Institute’s Artist Programs, alongside Ilyse McKimmie, Deputy Director of the Feature Film Program.

Michelle Satter noted, “The Screenwriters Lab marks the beginning of a comprehensive development process with these visionary filmmakers. We’re excited to see their projects evolve and support their journey toward captivating global audiences.”

The Screenwriters Intensive, a two-day virtual workshop taking place March 6–7, will support 12 writers across 10 projects. Alumni of the program include acclaimed filmmakers like Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men) and Laurel Parmet (The Starling Girl).

Ilyse McKimmie emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “These storytellers offer compelling screenplays featuring fascinating characters and worlds, and the intensive is the first step in supporting their creative visions.”

For over 40 years, the Sundance Feature Film Program has championed groundbreaking filmmakers, including alumni such as Chloé Zhao (Songs My Brother Taught Me), Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), and Robert Eggers (The Witch). Notable alumni films Ricky and The Legend of Ochi will premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

The Feature Film Program is supported by organizations such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), and Adobe.