Announcing the 2021 Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellows

At Adobe, we believe in the power of creativity. We are committed to creating opportunities for emerging artists so they can share their talents and perspectives with the world. Since 2015, we’ve been a proud partner of the Sundance Institute, sharing the common goal of inspiring creativity and supporting the next generation of filmmakers as they develop their craft.

Together, through the Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellowship program, we are empowering a new wave of emerging storytellers from diverse backgrounds with the tools, mentorship and support they need to share their stories. Today, we are thrilled to announce the 2021 Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellows, 10 emerging artists hailing from a broad geography, and rooted in a diverse array of creative disciplines from documentary to fiction.

2021 Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellows:

“At Adobe, we believe in creativity for all. The world needs more diverse voices, because we all benefit when more perspectives are shared,” said John Travis, vice president, Brand Marketing, Adobe. “Especially for the next generation, it’s critical they see diverse creators like themselves. We are proud to partner with the Sundance Institute to create greater opportunity for emerging filmmakers.”

We are thrilled that the Sundance Ignite x Adobe program continues to lay the groundwork for emerging creators to grow and expand their skills and careers. For example, here is the work of some of the esteemed alumni from the program — Lance Oppenheim (2019 Fellow) became the first Ignite fellow to premiere a feature at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, his film Some Kind of Heaven was acquired by Magnolia Pictures and is now streaming on Hulu. Giselle Bonilla (2020 Fellow) was accepted into American Film Institute’s directing program, receiving the AFI and Audi USA Scholarship. Leah Galant (2017 Fellow) and Maya Cueva (2019 Fellow) co-directed documentary On The Divide which premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. “Sundance Ignite has given me the opportunity to better understand the ins and outs of the industry, as well as develop my craft as a filmmaker. Through the fellowship, I’ve received helpful advice on pitching as well as advice on producer contracts, etc.,” said Maya.

This year’s fellows have already had their films featured at festivals such as Cleveland International Film Festival, Outfest Fusion Film Festival, Doc NYC Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival, and we can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next.

Learn more about the ways we are empowering the next generation of creators to tell their stories here.