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Merrell Boots Hike Into Sundance Film Fest
1 Oct
Summary
- Merrell partners with Sundance for a three-year initiative.
- Filmmakers receive $20,000 and mentorship for short films.
- The 2027 Sundance Film Festival takes place in Boulder, Colorado.
The Sundance Film Festival will feature a significant new partnership with Merrell, the well-known outdoor footwear brand, for its January 2027 event in Boulder, Colorado. This collaboration marks the beginning of a three-year commitment tied to Merrell's "It Starts Outside" marketing initiative.
Through this partnership, Merrell will support emerging filmmakers globally by providing $20,000 each to produce short films exploring the concept of 'outside.' These films will be 60-90 seconds long and developed through a three-month mentorship program with Sundance Collab.
Six filmmakers have been chosen for the inaugural phase: Sharon Liese, Ciril Jazbec, Jean Luke Miraflore, Laura Basil Duncan, Gabriella Canal, and Quinne Larsen. Their work will be showcased at an event during the festival, including a live screening and a panel discussion with the filmmakers.
Richard McLeod, Chief Marketing Officer at Merrell, highlighted the synergy between the brand's ethos and Sundance Collab's global reach, emphasizing how outdoor experiences can inspire meaningful stories. Patty West, director of Sundance Collab, noted the initiative's role in providing career pathways and crucial funding for independent artists.
