The Sundance Institute and Sandbox Films announced eight projects selected for the 2023 Sundance Institute | Sandbox Fund. The filmmakers selected receive nonrecoupable grants totaling $325,000 for their projects in the stages of development, production and post-production.
In addition to the grants, the fund offers mentorship for independent artists looking to explore the relationship between science and culture through innovative storytelling. The filmmakers receive customized film support and join Sundance Institute’s year-round artist community, which allows them to connect with Sundance’s alumni and creative advisors in addition to Sandbox Films’ scientists.
This year’s grantees in development are Anmol Tikoo’s “Dreams of a Dark Sky,” Daniel Chein and Mark Mushiva Ya Mushiva’s “Time Hunter” and an untitled science project from Jiayan “Jenny” Shi. The recipients in production are Sasha Wortzel’s “River Grass,” Luis Gutiérrez Arias and Zaina Bseiso’s “Todo Lo Sólido (All That Is Solid),” Erik Nuding’s “With Their Backs to the Sky” and an untitled science project from Emilia Mello. The final grantee, Arthur Musah’s “Brief Tender Light,” is in post-production.
“This exciting new group of projects showcases an incredibly diverse tapestry of artistic approaches and daring creative visions that continue to redefine what a ‘science film’ can be,” said Paola Mottura, director of the Sundance Institute’s documentary Film Fund in a statement. “From India to the Caribbean, Madagascar to the Everglades, the people and stories spotlighted in these films shed light on the deeply collaborative nature of scientific practice and its crucial role in working toward a brighter future for humanity and its planet.”
Previous projects supported by funding from the Sandbox Fund include Emmy-winning “Wildcat” and Oscar-nominated “Fire of Love,” among other films such as “All Light, Everywhere,” “Confessions of a Good Samaritan,” “Fathom,” “Herbaria” and “Users.”
“We continue to be blown away by the diversity of stories highlighting scientific inquiry that come through this grant program. It is an honor to work with the team at Sundance, and we look forward to supporting this talented group of artists as they bring these films to life,” said Jessica Harrop, head of production and development at Sandbox Films, in a statement.
