Merata Mita Fellowship Grant

The Merata Mita Fellowship, offered by the Sundance Institute, honors the legacy of Merata Mita, a pioneering Māori filmmaker. This fellowship supports Indigenous women artists aiming to direct feature films by providing cash grants, mentorship, and access to strategic services. Recipients will also participate in activities at the Sundance Film Festival, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to share their unique stories and contribute to the film industry.

The Sundance Institute’s labs, granting, and mentorship programs operate year-round to support independent artists and bring exciting new work into the world. Several of our programs are now accepting submissions.
The Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship for Indigenous Artists pays tribute to the immense artistic contributions and memory of Merata Mita (Ngāti Pikiao/Ngāi Te Rangi). Merata served as an advisor and artistic director to Sundance Institute’s Native Filmmakers Lab from 2000 to 2009, where she mentored and developed some of the top Indigenous talent in today’s film industry. In her time as a screenwriter and director, she was the first Māori woman to solely write and direct a dramatic feature film.
This fellowship serves to continue Merata Mita’s legacy and to cultivate a stage for other Indigenous women around the world to tell their stories. Fellows will be awarded cash grants and a yearlong continuum of support with activities, including a trip to the Sundance Film Festival, access to strategic and creative services offered by Sundance Institute artist programs, and mentorship opportunities.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to U.S.-based and international Indigenous artists who identify as women and are endeavoring to direct a feature film.