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Film Festival Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arts Hacker

Vice President of Development

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$220 - $230/hr

More about Film at Lincoln Center's Programming FLC's principal programming runs 365 days a year and includes the following: Festivals: FLC prides itself on the partnerships it has developed with ...

Marquee Arts

Graphic Design Manager

Ann Arbor, MI

... Film Festival and curator of the Not Just For Kids performance series. Rooted in Michigan's artistic history, the organization is committed to producing state of the art creative programming ...

LADD, Inc. (OH)

Guest Experience Manager

Mariemont, OH

$40K - $50K/yr

Through the Cindependent Film Festival, year-round artist development, educational programs, and ... programming, education, and cultural experiences. Position Summary The Guest Experience Manager ...

Active Theory

Backend Developer, Remote

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Recent Dreamwave events over the last year have included Sundance Film Festival, a virtual music ... Active Theory is seeking a backend developer and DevOps hybrid to help build out the underlying ...

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Film Festival Programming information

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$25K

$88.9K

$149K

How much do film festival programming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for film festival programming in the United States is $88,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is film festival programming?

A Film Festival Programming job involves selecting and curating films for a festival’s lineup. Programmers evaluate submissions, research films, and work with filmmakers to create a diverse and compelling schedule. They consider factors like theme, audience engagement, and industry relevance. Additionally, they may coordinate screenings, liaise with industry professionals, and help promote selected films. The role requires strong knowledge of cinema, organizational skills, and a keen eye for storytelling trends.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in film festival programming?

A typical day in Film Festival Programming often involves screening film submissions, communicating with filmmakers and distributors, and collaborating with other team members to curate the lineup. You may also spend time coordinating event schedules, organizing panel discussions or Q&As, and updating databases with film selections and screening information. During the months leading up to and during the festival, the pace can be fast and require careful multitasking and problem-solving. It’s a highly collaborative role that interfaces with marketing, guest services, and technical staff to ensure a seamless festival experience. This dynamic work environment offers unique opportunities to engage with the global film community and develop valuable industry connections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in film festival programming, and why are they important?

To thrive in Film Festival Programming, you need a strong background in film studies, curatorial experience, event management, and a keen understanding of current trends in cinema. Familiarity with database management systems, film submission platforms, and sometimes film projection or editing software is often required. Exceptional organizational skills, communication, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work collaboratively make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for curating diverse film lineups, coordinating events, and ensuring successful, well-received festivals.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Film Festival Programming jobs?

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Film Festival Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Film Festival Programming job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,946 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

2026 Mill Valley Film Festival House Manager

California Film Institute

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 14 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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