Festival Short Film Programmer

Sundance Institute•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

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 position is expected to work 20 hours per week from Monday, June 1, 2026 through Friday, August 28, 2026. This position may work a flexible schedule and remotely from a state of operation. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends to meet key deadlines and respond to on-call needs may be required. 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 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 may be required.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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 may be required.
Work closely with the larger programming team to curate and deliver a well-balanced, diverse, and compelling short film program.
Thoroughly review 1,250�1,450 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.