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Film Festival Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

Festival Management: * Lead all operational aspects of the Centre Film Festival, including scheduling, venue logistics, vendor coordination, permits, and filmmaker hospitality. * Create and manage ...

State of Montana

Film Office Multimedia Coordinator

Helena, MT · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

The programs develop and use communications, advertising, development and promotional campaigns to ... This position coordinates film office event preparation and scheduling, film festival sponsorships ...

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Film Festival Program Manager information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do film festival program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for film festival program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Film Festival Program Manager when curating the festival lineup?

A Film Festival Program Manager often faces the challenge of balancing diverse programming with limited screening slots and resources. They must carefully evaluate hundreds of film submissions, ensuring a mix of genres, perspectives, and emerging voices while maintaining the festival’s mission and audience appeal. Coordinating with filmmakers, distributors, and sponsors, as well as managing scheduling conflicts and last-minute changes, are also frequent hurdles. Strong organizational skills and adaptability are key to successfully navigating these complexities.

What is the difference between Film Festival Program Manager vs Film Festival Coordinator?

AspectFilm Festival Program ManagerFilm Festival Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees programming, selects films, manages schedules, and curates festival content.Assists with logistics, manages registration, and supports event operations.
Required SkillsCuratorial knowledge, project management, communication skills.Organizational skills, attention to detail, customer service.
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, festival planning, and sometimes on-site during events.On-site event support, administrative tasks.
Industry UsageCommonly used in film festivals with a focus on programming and curation.Used for logistical and operational support roles.

The Film Festival Program Manager primarily handles programming and curatorial decisions, while the Film Festival Coordinator supports logistical and operational tasks. Both roles are essential for a successful festival, but they differ in scope and focus.

What does a Film Festival Program Manager do?

A Film Festival Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of a film festival's programming. This includes selecting films, organizing schedules, coordinating with filmmakers and guests, and managing event logistics. They work closely with staff and volunteers to ensure the festival runs smoothly and provides a memorable experience for attendees. Ultimately, they curate the festival's artistic vision and help promote a vibrant film culture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Film Festival Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Film Festival Program Manager, you need expertise in event planning, film curation, and knowledge of the film industry, often supported by a degree in film studies, arts administration, or a related field. Familiarity with festival management software, scheduling tools, and budgeting systems is typically required. Strong communication, organizational, and negotiation skills help build relationships with filmmakers, sponsors, and audiences. These abilities are crucial for executing seamless events, attracting quality content, and ensuring the festival’s overall success.
2026 Mill Valley Film Festival House Manager

2026 Mill Valley Film Festival House Manager

California Film Institute

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Temporary

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

2026 Mill Valley Film Festival
Festival House Manager
Location: Mill Valley & San Rafael, CA (15 minutes North of the Golden Gate Bridge)
Status: Season with potential continuation after festival
Dates: Sept 28 - October 12, 2026
Compensation: $22/hour
About CAFILM:
CAFILM supports its mission to celebrate film as art and education by presenting the annual Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Documentary Film Festival, exhibiting film year-round at the non-profit Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, CA and Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley, CA, and building the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers through CAFILM Education. Founded in 1978, the Mill Valley Film Festival is a world-renowned 11-day event held every October, screening over 200 innovative US and international films for over 60,000 attendees. MVFF has a stellar reputation as a filmmakers' festival with a high-profile, prestigious, non-competitive environment celebrating the best in independent and world cinema in gorgeous Northern California.
About the job:
The Festival House Manager collaborates with Venue Staff and Line Managers to ensure safe theater operations and timely screening starts. This role is pivotal in delivering excellent customer service and managing venue entry and front of house operations throughout the film festival. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously. As the first point of contact for our patrons, the Festival House Manager will create the best possible experience for them by maintaining a friendly, helpful, and professional demeanor, and being well-versed in all areas of audience services.
Responsibilities:
  • Interface closely with the public, volunteers, projectionists, box office, other festival staff, filmmakers, and sponsors.
  • Collaborate with the Development department to meet sponsor and donor requirements.
  • Prepare the venue at the start of each day.
  • Check in with the Theater Operations/Venue Manager to receive a radio, review technical sheets, daily schedules, and show flows. Discuss any special occurrences such as filmmaker/talent arrivals, red carpets, and shows that are on RUSH or likely to go to RUSH.
  • Communicate with the Projectionist to confirm all films and trailers for the day are ready.
  • Set up reserve signs for the first show and prepare any signs for later shows.
  • Evaluate the daily schedule to manage start and end times effectively, especially during tight turnarounds.
  • Supervise volunteers, assigning them to assist with in-house theater duties.
  • Oversee volunteers in counting tickets and ballots (as needed) during screenings.
  • Manage audience traffic flow and maintain reserved seating areas.
  • Keep staff and customers informed of any festival updates and changes.
  • Coordinate show entries and exits with other managers via radio to ensure timely starts.
  • Oversee the theater doors during pre-show and trailers, and monitor the first five minutes of each feature to check sound levels and picture quality.
  • Assist with film introductions, managing microphones, and cuing filmmakers and programmers.
  • Oversee RUSH ticket sales and seating in conjunction with Box Office, determining the number of available tickets with Line Manager and guiding RUSH ticket holders with the help of volunteer ushers.
  • Conduct Q&A sessions and manage patron exit processes.
  • Oversee volunteers collect completed ballots at each theater exit (as needed), assist in cleaning the theater, and set up reserves for the next film.

Qualifications:
  • Proven experience in customer service or event management, preferably in a festival or theater setting.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure.
  • Enthusiastic and positive attitude, with a professional demeanor.

The Festival House Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that our patrons have a memorable and enjoyable experience at our film festival. If you are passionate about film, enjoy working with people, and excel in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit:
  • If you are interested, please send us an email with your resume attached to:

We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment:
We strive for a culture where people feel like they are valued, can bring their whole selves to work free of oppression, injustice, harassment or discrimination, and that they experience belongingness through a common purpose. We are taking steps to ensure that the California Film Institute is a safe and equitable space for staff members, filmmakers and audiences alike by incorporating inclusivity, diversity and accessibility measures into our business plan and tangible KPIs to hold ourselves accountable to serve and engage diverse audiences through our work. We are also working to examine racial justice internally in order to drive self-discovery and best inform how we can change practices and utilize our voice and position within the community.
CAFILM is an equal opportunity employer to all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our policies prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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