Festival Short Film Programmer

Sundance Institute

Festival Short Film Programmer evaluating and curating short film submissions for the Sundance Film Festival. Working collaboratively with the programming team while supporting emerging filmmakers.

Posted 5/12/2026part-timeLos Angeles • California, Colorado, New York, Utah • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $20 per hourWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Evaluating and curating short film submissions for the Sundance Film Festival.
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 1200 and 1600 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.
Traveling to other Festivals to participate on juries or panels as needed.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Legal authorization to work in the United States.
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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid sick leave
Institute holidays
Employee assistance program
Employee Wellness Initiatives

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

film evaluationshort film programmingcuratorial instinctartistic merit assessmentfilm coverage writingrating filmsproofreadingfilm still selection

Soft Skills

communication skillsinterpersonal skillsattention to detailorganizational skillsability to manage multiple demands