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Film Festival Programming Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

Festival Management: * Lead all operational aspects of the Centre Film Festival, including ... Work with the programming team to support film screenings, educational panels, workshops, and ...

Smosh

Programming Intern - Fall 2026

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Currently pursuing a degree in Film Production, Media Studies, Communications, or a related field. Start: September 2026 End: November 2026 Type: Part-time In-Person (3 days/week) Location: Burbank ...

Smosh

Programming Intern - Fall 2026

Los Angeles, CA

$20/hr

Currently pursuing a degree in Film Production, Media Studies, Communications, or a related field. Start: September 2026 End: November 2026 Type: Part-time In-Person (3 days/week) Location: Burbank ...

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How much do film festival programming intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for film festival programming intern in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internships at the four largest professional services firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These firms offer internships in areas such as audit, consulting, tax, and advisory, providing valuable experience for careers in finance, accounting, and consulting. For a Film Festival Programming Intern, relevant internships might include media companies, entertainment firms, or arts organizations, but the 'Big 4' are primarily associated with accounting and consulting industries.

Does SNL hire interns?

Saturday Night Live (SNL) offers internship programs in various departments such as writing, production, and digital media. These internships typically require applicants to be enrolled in or recent graduates of relevant programs and may involve a competitive application process. SNL internships provide hands-on experience in television production and comedy.

How to get an internship on a film set?

To secure a film festival programming internship, gaining experience in film curation, programming, or event management is helpful. Building a strong understanding of film genres, industry trends, and networking with professionals can improve your chances. Internships often require good communication skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with industry tools like film databases or scheduling software.

What does a Film Festival Programming Intern do?

A Film Festival Programming Intern assists the programming team with tasks such as reviewing film submissions, helping to organize screening schedules, and communicating with filmmakers. They may also participate in the curation of films, research potential selections, and provide administrative support for festival events. This role offers valuable behind-the-scenes experience in film festival operations and is ideal for those interested in film curation, event planning, or the entertainment industry.

What are some typical responsibilities of a Film Festival Programming Intern, and how do they contribute to the festival's success?

As a Film Festival Programming Intern, you may assist with screening film submissions, organizing film data, and supporting the selection process alongside the programming team. Interns often communicate with filmmakers, help coordinate screening schedules, and provide logistical support during the festival. These tasks are crucial for ensuring a diverse and high-quality lineup, contributing significantly to the smooth operation and overall impact of the festival. The role offers hands-on experience in film curation and event planning, while allowing you to develop industry connections.

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

To thrive as a Film Festival Programming Intern, you should have a solid understanding of film theory, strong organizational skills, and a passion for cinema, often supported by relevant coursework or experience in film studies. Familiarity with database management systems, film submission platforms, and basic editing or screening tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate make someone stand out in this position. These skills are essential for helping curate compelling film lineups, coordinating logistics, and ensuring a seamless festival experience.

How to get into film festival programming?

To become a film festival programming intern, gaining knowledge of film history, genres, and industry trends is essential. Relevant skills include strong communication, organization, and the ability to evaluate films critically; experience with film databases or editing tools can be helpful. Internships often require a background in film studies or related fields and may involve attending festivals or networking with industry professionals.

What is the difference between Film Festival Programming Intern vs Film Festival Programming Assistant?

AspectFilm Festival Programming InternFilm Festival Programming Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of film, media, or related programsOften similar, may require some experience in film or event coordination
Work EnvironmentInternship setting within festival offices, often part-time or seasonalFull-time or part-time staff role within festival organization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in festivals to train and evaluate future professionalsUsed as a support role to assist programming staff in curation and scheduling

The main difference is that a Film Festival Programming Intern is typically a learning position for students or recent grads gaining experience, while a Film Festival Programming Assistant is a more experienced support role assisting with programming tasks. Interns often have limited responsibilities and are in a learning phase, whereas assistants handle more operational duties within the festival's programming team.

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Film Festival Programming Intern jobs near you
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 2 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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