⚡ Tongal x Sundance Short Film Challenge ⚡
Tongal connects our partners with talented storytellers around the world to create impactful original films that resonate.
The Gates Foundation and the Sundance Institute partnered with Tongal to create empowering stories about communities overcoming poverty and hunger.
We received 1,388 submissions from 89 countries, with the five winning filmmakers — from the USA, Nigeria, India, and South Africa — attending the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, where their films premiered.
⚡ 175 Grams by Yogensha Productions, telling the story of how Ultimate Frisbee was empowering young people living in the slums of Chennai, India to strive for a better life, was among the winners premiered at Sundance ⚡
In another collaboration, Tongal worked with Sundance Collab on a pitch challenge to help emerging creators communicate their ideas to potential partners.
Creating Southwest Airlines' First Branded Film
⚡ Alone in Tombstone by Tongal Creator Kelsey Taylor⚡
In the brand's first piece of long-form entertainment, Southwest Airlines worked with Tongal to identify a world-class filmmaking team to direct and produce Alone in Tombstone, a short film based on a story sourced through the Wattpad writing platform.
Tongal Creator Kelsey Taylor was selected to helm the 15-minute short film, which premiered in May 2023 to much critical acclaim, and is currently featured on the brand's YouTube channel and in-flight entertainment system.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to bring Alone in Tombstone to the screen. We look forward to continuing to uplift new voices as they share their unique perspectives and help creatives as they pursue their dreams."
Brandy King, Managing Director of Public Relations, Southwest
Creator Spotlight
Kelsey Taylor
Skill: Live Action
Creating For: Southwest, PayPal, Amazon, Hilton
Kelsey Taylor is a director known for her versatile work in genres ranging from sci-fi to westerns. She began her career in cinematography before directing her breakthrough short film, Alien: Specimen, for 20th Century Fox, via the Tongal platform. Kelsey has directed commercials for brands including Volkswagen, Southwest Airlines, and her award-winning holiday spot for PayPal. Her upcoming feature, To Kill a Wolf, reimagines Little Red Riding Hood with darker themes. Selected as a 2024 Film Independent fellow, she continues to develop her unique storytelling voice.
