Launching January 2026, at the Sundance Film Festival
The Diversity Pictures Creative Development Residency supports emerging writers, producers, and multidisciplinary creatives developing original concepts for global audiences. We champion bold new voices and stories that reflect the richness of lived experience, with a strong focus on diverse and inclusive storytelling. Our mission is to nurture creators with a unique point of view and provide guidance, education, and international exposure to help them take the next step in their careers.
We are seeking creators developing work that explores:
Over the next three years, we will place additional emphasis on female-identifying storytellers exploring themes of feminism, race, LGBTQIA+ identity, and ageism.
One-Year Creative Mentorship:
Ongoing story development guidance, script feedback, pitch coaching, and project strategy sessions led by our producing team.
$10,000 USD Project Investment:
Allocated toward early-stage development or proof-of-concept materials to help your project grow.
Production Support & Industry Guidance:
Mentorship across pre-production, production, and post-production, including:
Three Month Creative Residency in Los Angeles
Beginning with the Sundance Film Festival, the residency offers:
Observational shadowing of producers, directors, and creative teams
Access to selected meetings, workshops, and production environments (observer only)
Creative lectures, masterclasses, and industry conversations
Cultural and networking events with U.S.-based artists and industry professionals
All residency activities are educational and observation-based. Participants do not perform work or receive compensation.
Industry Networking Opportunities
Meet U.S.-based agents, managers, casting directors, mentors, and creative executives through curated introductions and events.
Creator Spotlight
Your project will be featured across Diversity Pictures’ platforms and included in our annual pitch showcase for industry professionals.
Total Value: $15,000+ USD
This includes mentorship, project investment, residency programming, and curated industry access.
Applications Open: January 2025
Finalists Announced: June 2025
Residency Begins: January 2026 at Sundance Film Festival
Residency Duration: 3 months (January 18 – April 19 2026)
Mentorship Period: 12 months
Los Angeles, California, with kickoff residency activities at the Sundance Film Festival (Utah)
Eligibility
Applicants must:
(Required Reading for International Applicants)
Yes. International participants must independently secure the appropriate visitor visa for travel to the United States.
No. Diversity Pictures does not provide immigration sponsorship or legal representation.
Travel arrangements and visa status are the responsibility of the participant.
The residency includes educational and cultural activities such as:
No. Participants do not engage in work, employment, or hands-on production activity.
All activities are strictly educational, observational, and compliant with visitor visa rules.
Participants typically travel under a B-1/B-2 visitor visa or visa waiver, depending on their country of origin.
Please consult official U.S. State Department resources for guidance.
Official guidance: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
