Rockstar MICHELLE MATTHEWS: AN INDIE INSPIRATION
MICHELLE MATTHEWS FUSES HER GIVING SPIRIT, LOVE OF FINE ARTS, AND PASSION FOR TECHNOLOGY IN HER ROLE AS A SENIOR DESIGNER AT SUNDANCE INSTITUTE.
It’s easy to see why Michelle Matthews loves her job. As a senior designer at the Sundance Institute, Michelle embodies the mission of the nonprofit organization, which provides a platform for independent filmmakers and storytellers.
She also gets to work with founder Robert Redford. What's not to like about that?
During her two years at Sundance, Michelle has witnessed how film can help transform society, shift cultural norms, and encourage conversations where none previously existed.
By managing the overall brand identity of the film festival and the institute itself, she’s bringing together a community of like-minded people. Every year, the festival is supported by over 2,000 volunteers and more than 45,000 attendees—most of them returning.
THE NEXT-GENERATION OF INFLUENCERS
Michelle is also doing her part to give the next generation of independent artists a voice. She’s involved in Sundance Ignite, which provides financial support to filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 24, as well as access to Sundance’s screenings, workshops, panels, and most importantly—mentors.
EMBRACING INNOVATION
According to Michelle, there’s no better time to be a filmmaker. With new distribution platforms and the ability to shoot a film entirely on your phone or other readily accessible devices, the opportunities to reach audiences are virtually limitless.
Michelle grew up alongside the technology she uses daily. Over two decades, she’s gone from cutting and pasting layouts on boards to using a combination of sophisticated and powerful software.
As a designer, there's nothing more rewarding for Michelle than to see a concept through to reality.
A scene-stealer in her own right, she especially loves the feedback on her creations. Even if it’s bad, it’s good.
Michelle's openness and willingness to listen and accept people's opinions—for better or worse—is what makes her a perfect fit for Sundance.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Bringing people together from all walks of life and every corner of the globe to unite over their love of film and storytelling is what keeps the festival going—and growing—every year.
After all, filmmaking takes fireside storytelling to the next level, bringing tales to life on the big screen.
Michelle is excited about what lies ahead for Sundance.
She’s also excited about what lies ahead for young filmmakers and other creatives who have the latest technology at their disposal.
She knows they have the potential to change the world, one review at a time.