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California Film Institute

2026 Mill Valley Film Festival Theater Operations Production Assistant

Location: San Rafael, CA (15 minutes North of the Golden Gate Bridge)

Status: Seasonal

Dates: 9/24/2026 through 10/13/2026

Compensation: $20/hr

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.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment:

We strive for a culture where people sense 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.

About the Role

Position Summary:

The Theater Operations Production Assistant supports venue-specific operations for the Mill Valley Film Festival, ensuring smooth setup, execution, and breakdown of festival needs within venues. This hands-on role is critical to the daily functioning of our theaters venues, helping uphold the festival's high standard of hospitality, safety, and production quality.

Key Responsibilities:

Venue Setup & Breakdown

• Assist with load-in/load-out of festival venues including moving equipment and furniture.
• Set up and break down stages, signage, and event spaces before, during and after shows.
• Support installation of venue supplies, branded decor, stanchions, and theater signage.
• Ensure venue setups meet safety and accessibility standards.

Signage & Branding

• Install, monitor, and strike festival signage and directional banners at assigned venues.
• Ensure brand consistency across all visible materials and signage.

Technical & Logistical Support

• Help transport and position gear such as speaker systems, lighting, risers, and A/V carts.
• Collaborate with the technical team on room layouts and equipment setup.
• Keep back-of-house and storage areas organized and stocked.

Event & Patron Support

• Assist with ushering, line management, and audience flow.
• Help backstage and front-of-house teams with guest and talent coordination.
• Support red carpet events, press lines, and special presentations.

Inventory & Maintenance

• Track equipment and signage inventory during festival operations.
• Keep tools and gear clean, organized, and accounted for throughout the event.
• Maintain general venue cleanliness and professionalism.

Qualifications:

• Experience in theater, live events, production, or festivals preferred.
• High level of reliability, attention to detail, and adaptability under pressure.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Able to lift/move up to 50 lbs and remain on feet for long periods.
• Familiarity with basic tools and safe lifting techniques.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive festival vehicles is a plus.

Work Conditions:

• Must be available for the full festival window: September 24–October 13, 2026.
• Hours may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Work is primarily on-site at venues, both indoors and outdoors, rain or shine.
• Requires frequent walking, lifting, bending, and standing.