Jeff Dowd has always been more than a legend, he’s a bridge builder.
Between activism and art.  Between the radical and the visionary.  Between the stories we tell and the change they inspire.

A founding voice of the Seattle Seven, a driving spark behind the Sundance Film Festival, and the real-life inspiration for "The Dude" in The Big Lebowski, Jeff has spent his life connecting people, ideas, and movements that shape culture.

Today, even after surviving a life-threatening brain tumor and major surgery, Jeff’s spirit remains unstoppable.  He’s actively collaborating on new film projects, mentoring young storytellers, and developing creative ventures that reflect his lifelong belief, that art and humanity can move mountains when they work together.

Our film, The Grateful Dude Forever Abides, celebrates that very spark, not just Jeff’s legacy, but his ongoing journey of resilience, creativity, and connection.

Your support through his official GoFundMe helps Jeff continue to heal, rebuild, and fuel the next chapter of his life’s work...bridging generations, stories, and communities through the power of film and friendship.