New York Times : Op-Docs and Sundance Institute Announce Joint Projects Supported By the MacArthur Foundation

The New York Times Op-Docs (NYTimes.com/OpDocs) and Sundance Institute today announced several short documentary projects supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation that will debut on NYTimes.com throughout 2017 and 2018.

Building on a decades-long collaboration dedicated to supporting independent storytelling, Sundance Institute's Documentary Film Program and the MacArthur Foundation launched an initiative to develop bold, risk-taking short films grounded in journalistic practice that explore contemporary issues by distinctive new voices. The rapid pace at which technologies have changed the nature of film production, dissemination, and consumption has created a landscape of innovation and new opportunities for storytelling artists. Sundance Institute collaborated with The New York Times on the selection of these films from submitted projects and administered the grant from the MacArthur Foundation, which has enabled a unique bridge that links these artists to new practices and new audiences. Projects were produced by artist alumni of Firelight Media, ITVS/Independent Lens, POV, Sundance Institute and Tribeca Film Institute.

Launched in 2011,Op-Docs is The New York Times editorial department's Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated forum for short opinionated documentaries. Each film is produced with wide creative latitude by both renowned and emerging filmmakers, and premieres across Times online platforms. The goal of each Op-Doc is to present a unique point of view.

The projects include:

'Alone,' directed by Garrett Bradley and produced by Lauren Domino, profiles one Louisiana woman's experience exploring the prospect of marrying her incarcerated boyfriend. The film had its theatrical premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the Jury Award for Nonfiction Short Filmmaking. 'Alone' made its debut as an Op-Doc in February 2017.

'Returning Rob,' also directed by Bradley and produced by Domino as an extension of 'Alone,' advances the dialogue around mass incarceration through the story of one family's unique, 20 year struggle to bring their father home from the Louisiana State Penitentiary.

'Searching for Saraswati,' directed and produced by Amit Madheshiya and Shirley Abraham, looks at the Indian state of Haryana's government-sponsored quest to find the holy river Saraswati, believed to have been lost 4,000 years ago and since found only in myth.

'Cold Rush,' directed by May Abdalla and produced by Elhum Shakerifar, follows the international race to own the North Pole.

'Forest Cities,' directed and produced by Mike Milano, is the story of a family uniquely positioned at the intersection of politics and policing. Matt Zone Sr., a progressive Cleveland City Councilman and the outspoken President of the National League of Cities, and Matt Zone Jr., a rookie Cleveland police officer who finds himself navigating one of America's most violent cities, and politically charged police departments.

'It's an honor to collaborate with Sundance Institute and the MacArthur Foundation on an initiative that champions original voices and independent documentary films,' said Kathleen Lingo, executive producer, The New York Times Op-Docs. 'We're proud to celebrate the work of so many talented filmmakers and welcome them to the Op-Docs family.'

'These short stories, exploring the issues of our times, are elevated by artful expression and distinctive voice,' said Tabitha Jackson, Director, Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program. 'Filmmaking is by definition an act of communication and The New York Times's invaluable support for independent nonfiction filmmakers allows this work and these filmmakers to connect with a vital and engaged audience.'

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The Company includes The New York Times, NYTimes.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model. Follow news about the company at@NYTimesComm.

About the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

MacArthur supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world's most pressing social challenges, including over-incarceration, global climate change, nuclear risk, and significantly increasing financial capital for the social sector. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsible and responsive democracy, as well as to the strength and vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago. More information is available atwww.macfound.org.

About Sundance Institute

Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides and preserves the space for artists in film, theatre, and new media to create and thrive. The Institute's signature Labs, granting, and mentorship programs, dedicated to developing new work, take place throughout the year in the U.S. and internationally. The Sundance Film Festival and other public programs connect audiences to artists in igniting new ideas, discovering original voices, and building a community dedicated to independent storytelling. Sundance Institute has supported such projects as Boyhood, Swiss Army Man, Manchester By the Sea, Brooklyn, Little Miss Sunshine, Life, Animated, Sonita, 20 Feet From Stardom, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fruitvale Station, Sin Nombre, Spring Awakening, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and Fun Home. JoinSundance Institute onFacebook,Instagram,Twitter andYouTube.

Media Contact:

For The New York Times: Jordan Cohen, jordan.cohen@nytimes.com

For Sundance Institute: Spencer Alcorn, spencer_alcorn@sundance.org