Which filmmakers don't dream of going to Utah's annual celebration of everything cinema, the Sundance Film Festival? Well, if you are an 18-26-year-old woman who is currently studying for an undergraduate degree in any discipline, you might be able to get a head start. 

Thanks to the Horizon Award, aimed at combatting gender disparity in Hollywood by supporting the next generation of female filmmakers, qualified applicants can vie for an all-expenses-paid trip to Sundance 2018 and mentorship with the award's impressive group of founders. The producers behind the award—Lynette Howell Taylor (Blue Valentine, The Accountant), Christine Vachon (Boys Don't Cry, Carol) and Cassian Elwes (Dallas Buyers Club, Mudbound)—have real industry credibility and enviable track records, so the opportunity to connect with them is as valuable as the Sundance trip itself.

All it takes to apply is the submission of a 2-minute film of any type that you have directed. According to the contest's site, you must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for this award:

  • Be female, aged 18 - 26
  • Be currently studying for an undergraduate degree in any discipline, or are within one year of having graduated.
  • Have a .edu address. (If you do not have a .edu email address, submit with your normal address and cite your school when you submit).
  • Do not already have a manager or agent, and must have made less than $5,000 in the film business from your creative talent.

Get some inspiration from last year's winning submissions, by Brittany “B.Monét” Fennell and Andrea Villanueva.

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/195554638 https://vimeo.com/195568533 expand=1 site_id=26256498]

Applications are due by December 9, 2017. Good luck!

Featured image from 'Q.U.E.E.N.' by 2017 Horizon Award Winner Brittany "B.Monét" Fennell.

sundanceHorizon AwardCassian Elweschristine vachonLynette Howell Taylor
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