Grieving Parents Turn Tragedy Into Hope for Filmmakers

Michelle Satter, director at the Sundance Institute, and her husband David Latt established the Michael Latt Legacy Fund following the tragic death of their son Michael Latt on November 27, 2023. Michael had founded Lead with Love, an organization dedicated to supporting influential women and artists of color. The fund aims to continue his mission by supporting up-and-coming filmmakers.

The grieving parents channeled their sorrow into fundraising, initially expecting modest donations. However, they were overwhelmed by the substantial outpouring of support from individuals and organizations Michael had collaborated with, including Barry Jenkins, Common, Ryan Coogler, Netflix, and Ava DuVernay's ARRAY. Within the first year, they successfully raised $350,000 from around 600 people.

Now entering its third year, the fund, in partnership with Liberty Hill Foundation, has expanded its reach. It has supported third artist this year, a filmmaker hoping for a Sundance festival premiere. The fund has also provided grants to filmmakers previously supported, with two having films premiere at Sundance. The initiative is sustained through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and has secured enough funding to continue granting for an additional five to six years.

Among those supported is filmmaker Jarrett Harper, who received assistance through the fund after being connected with Michael Latt during a prison tour. Harper's short film, "I Got My Brother," about foster youth, screened at SXSW. The fund's support extends to organizations assisting formerly incarcerated individuals, reflecting Michael's broader impact.

Despite facing personal losses, including their home in the Palisades in January 2025 and the deaths of Sundance founder Robert Redford and Satter's mother, the couple has found purpose in this endeavor. Satter emphasizes the power of creativity and storytelling for justice, community, and healing.