Sundance Institute | Photo by Stephen Speckman
With the Sundance Film Festival coming to campus Jan. 21–31, there are several opportunities for CU Boulder students to get involved now.
Apply for paid internships
Two paid internships focused on accessibility at the festival are actively accepting applications exclusively for enrolled Buffs. Both positions are posted on Handshakeand are hybrid, temporary, part-time and pay $19.29 per hour:
- The accessibility intern will provide administrative support to the Sundance Film Festival accessibility team; gain insight into common barriers, accommodations and resources that impact an accessible event; develop and proofread training materials that support various learning styles; and gain an understanding of neurodiversity and how to create accessible materials.
- The American Sign Language (ASL) intern will help the Sundance Institute establish a network of ASL interpreters, cultivate working relationships with ASL vendors, build a working knowledge around platform interpreting and accessibility for large-scale events, gain insight into best practices around representation in the process of Festival slotting, and pair interpreter background, skills and experience to specific needs of an event or end user.
If you’re interested, apply now. Each position begins soon and runs through Dec. 4.
More student opportunities will be shared in coming months on the CU Boulder-Sundance Film Festival websiteand in your CU Boulder Today email.
Questions? Contact Buff Info.
Press credentials
Are you an aspiring journalist or film influencer interested in covering the largest independent film showcase in the United States? The Sundance Film Festival has reserved a set number of press credentials for qualifying CU Boulder students:
- There are two windows to apply for press accreditation. With limited press credentials, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The standard application window is open now and runs through Oct. 22. The late application window runs from Oct. 22 through Dec. 10.
- You must include an assignment letter from a professor, editor or employer verifying that you are covering the Festival as part of a class assignment, a news assignment or other assignment.
- To request a press accreditation application, email presscredentials@sundance.org.
Volunteer corps
Want a different way to get involved? The Sundance Institute is taking applications for its many volunteer opportunities, including a new student volunteer program. If interested, you are encouraged to apply to volunteer as soon as possible.
Volunteering for the Sundance Film Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience. Every year, volunteers help create a global platform to celebrate film by collaborating with one another and supporting the mission of the Sundance Institute. The real benefit of volunteering is being part of a passionate community dedicated to supporting independent storytelling and providing positive experiences for all.
If you apply and are selected, you will be notified on a rolling basis. If you are not selected, you will be notified via email starting in December. Training and scheduling of volunteers happen in December and January.
You are encouraged to attend a volunteer information session before completing an application. The last Zoom session is Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Academic programming
Do you have a great idea for Sundance Institute-inspired academic programming? CU Boulder is collaborating with the Institute to launch a year of academic, creative and experiential programming that extends beyond the Festival itself.
These engagement opportunities may include: classroom visits, research and creative work events, recognized student organization or recognized social Greek organization programs, campus symposiums or panels, and visioning and planning meetings for deeper engagements, such as collaborative research, exhibits, capstones and events.
Oct. 1 is the deadline to submit your ideafor a fall 2026 semester activity.
