NEW DELHI: Sundance Institute has announced the Science-in Film-Prizes that support the development and exhibition of new independent film projects that explore science and technology themes or that depict scientists, engineers and mathematicians in engaging and innovative ways.

The winning projects and grantees are: The Stanford Prison Experiment by director Kyle Patrick Alvarez, winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize; Jonathan Minard and Scott Rashap (Archive), winners of the Sundance Institute / Sloan Fellowship; and Jon Noble (Tyfus), Cutter Hodierne and John Hibey (Otzi), winners of the Sundance Institute / Sloan Commissioning Grants, presented through Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program.

The Stanford Prison Experiment, directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, will receive a $20,000 cash award from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Prize is selected by a jury of film and science professionals and presented to outstanding feature films focusing on science or technology as a theme, or depicting a scientist, engineer or mathematician as a major character.

Jonathan Minard and Scott Rashap will receive a $15,000 cash award from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Through the Sundance Institute Feature Film Programme, the award grants $10,000 to an emerging producer of a film at the Sundance Film Festival. The award recognises bold vision and a commitment to continuing work as a creative producer in the independent space.  Past award recipients include: Elisabeth Holm (Obvious Child), James Johnston & Toby Halbrooks (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints) and Josh Penn & Dan Janvey (Beasts of the Southern Wild). The award was announced at the annual Producers Lunch at the Sundance Film Festival designed to celebrate producers across the Festival.

This year's Short Film programme comprises 60 short films selected from 8,061 submissions.

The Short Film Grand Jury Prize is being awarded to World of Tomorrow / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Don Hertzfeldt) — A little girl is taken on a mind-bending tour of the distant future.

The Short Film Jury Award: U.S. Fiction is being presented to SMILF / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Frankie Shaw) — A young single mother struggles to balance her old life of freedom with her new one as mom. It all comes to a head during one particular nap-time when Bridgette invites an old friend over for a visit.

The Short Film Jury Award: International Fiction goes to Oh Lucy! / Japan, Singapore, U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Atsuko Hirayanagi) — Setsuko, a 55-year-old single so-called office lady in Tokyo, is given a blonde wig and a new identity, Lucy, by her young unconventional English-language teacher. "Lucy" awakens desires in Setsuko she never knew existed.