Festival Short Film Programmer

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Festival Short Film Programmer is charged with evaluating and curating short film submissions for the Sundance Film Festival.

Working closely under the direction of a Senior Programmer, the Festival Short Film Programmer supports Sundance Institute’s commitment to discovering and championing emerging filmmakers while upholding the artistic integrity of the Sundance Film Festival.

This temporary position works part-time (20 hours per week) from Monday, June 2, 2025, or Monday, July 14, 2025, through Friday, November 21, 2025. The position will then begin again and work full-time (40 hours per week) from Monday, January 19, 2026, through Friday, January 30, 2026, to support onsite at the annual Sundance Film Festival. This position may work a flexible schedule and remotely from a state of operation until the team convenes in Los Angeles for five days of deliberations in mid-November. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends to meet key deadlines and respond to on-call needs will be required. Candidates based in the greater Los Angeles, CA, area are preferred.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• Conducting the ‘first watch’ of Sundance Film Festival short film submissions including providing coverage by writing a comprehensive synopsis, highlighting notable elements, use of the medium, and assigning a final rating to each film.

• Making recommendations for advancement, rejection, and second reviews based on artistic merit, originality, and alignment with programming goals.

• Identifying strong short films and emerging talent to support.

• Screening between 1,250 and 1,450 short films in both the first as well as the second and final round of submissions.

• Participating in-person deliberations for up to 300 finalists in the U.S. and International Short Film categories.

• Performing outreach to the global filmmaking community in order to solicit works of short film to be considered for selection into the Festival.

• Actively participating in the selection of films and the structure of the Festival Short Film program.

• Supporting with preparing written materials as needed, including proofreading copy and film still selection.

• Notifying filmmakers of acceptance or rejection and collecting supporting materials for accepted filmmakers as needed.

• Introducing and moderating film Q&As at screenings.

• Hosting filmmakers and industry representatives at the Festival, offering support, answering questions and providing an easy-to-navigate and friendly experience for Festival artists.

• Traveling to other festivals to participate on juries or panels may be required.

You have the following direct or transferable qualifications and skills:

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

• 2 years of experience in programming and evaluating short films.

• Short film programming expertise including a keen curatorial instinct and a deep understanding of the film landscape.

• Knowledge of U.S. and international marketplaces, film festivals, and various film communities operating across the country and globally

• Exceptional communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal—essential for engaging with the public, filmmakers, industry professionals, donors, and internal teams.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording, tracking, and sharing information.

• Passion for independent film and a strong alignment with Sundance Institute’s mission.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple demands effectively.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Work closely with the larger Programming team to curate and deliver a well-balanced, diverse, and compelling short film program.

• Thoroughly review 1,250 to 1,450 short films by late October ensuring the Programming team can meet key Festival program decision deadlines.

• Actively contribute to the deliberation of up to 300 finalist films, offering insightful feedback that helps shape the Short Film program.

In addition to an hourly pay of $20.32, this position is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include:

• Paid sick leave and Institute holidays

• Employee assistance program

• Employee Wellness Initiatives

• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)