POSITION OVERVIEW
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 temporary position works from Wednesday, September 2, 2026 through Friday, January 31, 2027. From September 2, 2026 through Sunday, November 15, 2026 the role is expected to work 20 hours per week. The position will work full-time hours (40 hours per week) from Monday November 16, 2026 through Sunday, November 22, 2026. The role will then work a part-time, variable hour schedule of 0 - 20 hours until Monday, January 18, 2027 when hours will increase to a full time schedule through the end of employment.
This position may work a flexible schedule and must be based within a commutable distance to Boulder, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Los Angeles, CA, or New York, NY. Preference will be given to candidates in the greater Los Angeles, CA area. The role requires flexibility as well as travel to Institute locations, events, and meetings as needed.
Top priorities include but are not limited to…
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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.
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Making determinations regarding advancement, rejection, and second reviews based on artistic merit, originality, and alignment with programming goals.
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Screening between 500 and 1000 short films in both the first as well as the second and final round of submissions.
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Identifying strong short films as well as emerging talent to support.
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Performing outreach to the global filmmaking community in order to solicit works of short film to be considered for selection into the Festival.
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Actively participating in the selection of films and the structure of the Festival Short Film program.
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Supporting with preparing written materials as needed, including proofreading copy and film still selection.
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Supporting with notifying filmmakers of acceptance or rejection and collecting supporting materials for accepted filmmakers as needed.
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Conducting film intros and facilitates film Q&A sessions at Festival
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Traveling to other Festivals to participate on juries or panels may be required.
You have the following direct or transferable qualifications and skills:
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2 years of experience in programming and evaluating films.
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Short film programming expertise including a keen curatorial instinct and a deep understanding of the film landscape.
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Knowledge of U.S. and international marketplaces, film festivals, and various film communities operating across the country and globally
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Exceptional communication skills, written, verbal, and interpersonal, essential for engaging with the public, filmmakers, industry professionals, donors, and internal teams.
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Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording, tracking, and sharing information.
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Passion for independent film and a strong alignment with Sundance Institute’s mission.
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Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple demands effectively.
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Legal authorization to work in the United States.
You will be successful in this role if you...
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Work closely with the larger programming team to curate and deliver a well-balanced, diverse, and compelling short film program.
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Thoroughly review 500-1000 short films ensuring the Programming team can meet key Festival program decision deadlines.
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Deliver a well-balanced, diverse, and compelling short film program.
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Actively contribute to the deliberation of up to 300 finalist films, offering insightful feedback that helps shape the Short Film program.
In addition to an hourly pay of $22.25, this position* is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include:
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Paid sick leave and Institute holidays
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Employee assistance program
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Employee Wellness Initiatives
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Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)
*Applications open 7/31/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week
Skills Required
- Minimum 2 years of experience in programming and evaluating films
- Short film programming expertise with strong curatorial instinct and film landscape knowledge
- Knowledge of U.S. and international film marketplaces, festivals, and film communities
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording and tracking information
- Passion for independent film and alignment with Sundance Institute's mission
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple demands and priorities
- Legal authorization to work in the United States
- Must be based within a commutable distance to Boulder CO, Salt Lake City UT, Los Angeles CA, or New York NY
- Preference for candidates in the greater Los Angeles, CA area
- Ability to watch, evaluate, and rate 500–1000 short films and provide written coverage
- Ability to travel to Institute locations, events, meetings, and other festivals as needed
- Ability to conduct film introductions and facilitate Q&A sessions
What We Do
Sundance Institute is a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to championing independent voices in storytelling. Its mission is to discover, support, and inspire independent film, media, and theatre artists from the United States and around the world. By providing resources and platforms, including the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival, the Institute connects innovative creators with global audiences to ignite empathy and inspire meaningful change.
