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 from Wednesday, September 2, 2026 through Friday, January 31, 2027.** From September 2, 2026 through Sunday, November 15, 2026 the role is expected to work 20 hours per week. The position will work full-time hours (40 hours per week) from Monday November 16, 2026 through Sunday, November 22, 2026. The role will then work a part-time, variable hour schedule of 0 - 20 hours until Monday, January 18, 2027 when hours will increase to a full time schedule through the end of employment.

This position may work a flexible schedule and must be based within a commutable distance to Boulder, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Los Angeles, CA, or New York, NY. **Preference will be given to candidates in the greater Los Angeles, CA area.** The role requires flexibility as well as travel to Institute locations, events, and meetings as needed.

**Top priorities include but are not limited to…**

* Watching and evaluating Sundance Film Festival short film submissions including providing coverage, writing notes assessing appropriateness for further consideration, and assigning a final rating to each film.
* Making determinations regarding advancement, rejection, and second reviews based on artistic merit, originality, and alignment with programming goals.
* Screening between 500 and 1000 short films in both the first as well as the second and final round of submissions.
* Identifying strong short films as well as emerging talent to support.
* 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.
* Supporting with notifying filmmakers of acceptance or rejection and collecting supporting materials for accepted filmmakers as needed.
* Conducting film intros and facilitates film Q&A sessions at Festival
* Traveling to other Festivals to participate on juries or panels may be required.

**You have the following direct or transferable qualifications and skills:**

* 2 years of experience in programming and evaluating 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.
* Legal authorization to work in the United States.

**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 500-1000 short films ensuring the Programming team can meet key Festival program decision deadlines.
* Deliver a well-balanced, diverse, and compelling short film program.
* 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 $22.25, 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)

\*Applications open 7/31/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week