SFFILM

The Bay Area's home for the world's finest films and filmmakers.

Programming

Programming Coordinator

Summary

The Programming Department seeks a thoughtful, dynamic, and energetic individual to join the Programming team at SFFILM. The coordinator provides administrative support to the Programming Department and assists with curatorial projects at SFFILM. This position is responsible for the administration of the department and will also contribute to ongoing work in the programmatic sphere.

The ideal candidate has experience providing administrative support to teams in an arts, filmmaking, or nonprofit environments, and is looking to deploy and build skills in project management, external constituent communication, and overall administrative coordination.

Application review begins December 10, 2024 and preferred start date is February 17, 2025. Salary range for this position is $23 – $25 per hour and benefits include full monthly premium with the organizations’ health insurance policies, PTO/Sick Leave and expanded annual paid holiday schedule.
SFFILM currently supports a hybrid-remote schedule, with an average of 3 days per week in the San Francisco offices, as well as time onsite throughout the Bay Area supporting SFFILM events.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide administrative support to the entire department including meeting schedules, note taking, event invitations and list management.
  • Liaise between Programming and other departments as directed by the Director of Programming to support year round initiatives.
  • Maintain internal databases, departmental files, and project management systems.
  • Manage the departmental databases for all films, technical data, print sources, support materials, etc. Prepare reports with this information as requested on a rolling basis.
  • Assist with payments to vendors, partners, and monthly expense reconciliation for the department and Director of Programming.
  • Organize and oversee the Programming Department workspace and equipment.
  • Research current and upcoming film projects, and track ongoing festivals activity worldwide.
  • Support the management of film submissions and solicitations and the screening committee as directed.
  • Prepare specific program data for publication and assist with proofreading and internal routing of additional promotional assets.
  • Manage program materials and posters for all public exhibitions year-round, to include festival films.
  • Assist in print traffic duties (shipping, receiving and transport) as needed.
  • Serve as an on-site representative for both the curations team and SFFILM as a whole at all public events.
  • This role requires evening and weekend work during festivals.

Qualifications:

  • We are looking for a candidate based in the Bay Area.
  • Strong organization and administrative skills and the ability to coordinate across a variety of teams is desired.
  • Must have strong writing and interpersonal skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Must be able to work independently, manage competing deadlines, and prioritize departmental requests.
  • Previous festival or film exhibition experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
  • Working experience with File Maker Pro or equivalent database tools preferred
  • Presenting festivals and film events is demanding work that can occasionally require long hours and weekend work. We are looking for someone who is able to work overtime and works well under pressure.
  • Screening Committee experience is strongly encouraged.
  • Knowledge of film exhibition technicalities (exhibition formats, digital formats, Dolby sound, aspect ratios, etc) is very beneficial.

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

Programming Department Intern Opportunity

We are no longer accepting applications for this role.

Summary

SFFILM’s Programming department is seeking a motivated intern with an interest in curation and film / media to support our fall programs and ongoing screening for the 2025 SFFILM Festival. Founded in 1957, the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. The Festival is deeply rooted in the culture and process of film appreciation—film as an art form and as a meaningful agent for social change—and is an important showcase for the most searching and innovative films from around the globe.

The Programming Intern reports to the Associate Director of Programming and will provide assistance in the SFFILM offices and onsite at exhibition programs as needed. The Intern will have the opportunity to support SFFILM’s Fall exhibition, including Doc Stories (October 17-20) and Awards Night (December 9). The key undertaking will be screening and evaluating films for the 2025 SFFILM Festival, which takes place in the Spring (April 17-27, 2025). The internship is based in-person in the Bay Area and is unpaid.
The opportunity is based in the Bay Area, requires 8-16 hours per week (1-2 days in-office – availability to work out of the SFFILM SOMA offices Tuesdays and/or Thursdays is essential), and runs from September through December 13, 2024

Application Review will begin September 4th

Opportunities and Outcomes:

  • Provide event support for SFFILM exhibition programs in Fall 2024.
  • Research upcoming films in post-production phase.
  • Screen (review) shorts and features that come through our Call for Entries for the 2025 SFFILM Festival.

Qualifications:

  • Passion for film/ media education, film festivals, and film organizations.
  • Interest in the art and craft of cinema.
  • Good research skills.
  • Reliable transportation and ability to travel to the SFFILM office and exhibition venues.
  • Availability for scheduled weekday hours in the SFFILM office and some evenings for events.
  • Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
  • Must be able to express yourself clearly, thoroughly and mindfully.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced working environment.
  • Excellent computer skills. Proficiency with Filemaker Pro would be a plus.

Benefits:

  • SFFILM is an internationally recognized nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
  • Great introduction and experience in film / media education and film festival in addition to exposure to aspects of outreach and event management.
  • Excellent opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a world class film organization and create personal connections.
  • Complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership.
  • Interns are able, and encouraged, to attend SFFILM preview screenings and events.
  • Class credit (if applicable).
  • Resume and network builder.

SFFILM Festival Volunteer Screening Committee

We are no longer accepting applications for this role at this time.

Overview

Be the first to see what’s submitted to the 68th San Francisco International Film Festival and help us select titles for the festival in 2025.

Our Screening Committees assist with viewing titles submitted to SFFILM Festival on an annual basis. SFFILM Volunteer Screeners support the careful curation of a robust, inclusive, and bold festival program. Whether you have a background in film, are a dedicated cinephile, or are simply curious, we’re always looking for fresh eyes and new voices to join us as we assess the thousands of thought-provoking festival submissions from around the world.

Evaluation training and guidelines will be provided, and honorariums are available for screeners in some instances and levels.

Film Screener Expectations & Responsibilities:

  • Must have reliable internet access to stream submissions
  • Should expect to watch a minimum of 40 hours of content over a five-month period (August – December 2024)
  • All screeners are required to watch assignments in full
  • An open mind is essential
  • Strong written communication skills needed
  • Commitment to screening a handful of films on weekly basis

Benefits of becoming a prescreener include:

  • The opportunity to view festival selections before anyone else
  • The opportunity to learn more about inner workings of festival production
  • The opportunity to earn Festival passes & tickets for friends and family
  • Paid honorariums and yearly SFFILM membership are available for viewings of 45+ feature films/mid-lengths, or 100+ short films

Programmer

We are no longer accepting applications for this role.

Overview

The Programming Department seeks a thoughtful, dynamic, and energetic programmer to join the curation and programming team at SFFILM. This individual will join an established team committed to bringing fresh, bold, and exciting new films to the Bay Area. They will support and participate in the collaborative work necessary to present media in a non-profit exhibition, education, and artist development environment. The programmer will contribute to a variety of public exhibitions on behalf of SFFILM, including the San Francisco International Film Festival, Doc Stories, SF Presents, as well as other year-round programs and opportunities.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of four years experience curating for another festival or film program, is fluent in feature film pipelines, has established relationships with sales agents and filmmakers, and is well versed in the festival landscape and execution responsibilities.

Application review begins July 16, 2024 and preferred start date is Late August/ Early September 2024. Salary range for this position is $67,000.00–$70,000.00 and benefits include full monthly premium with the organizations’ health insurance policies, PTO/Sick Leave and expanded annual paid holiday schedule.
SFFILM currently supports a hybrid-remote schedule, with an average of 3 days in the San Francisco offices, as well as time onsite throughout the Bay Area supporting SFFILM events.

Responsibilities

  • Curate titles, negotiate fees, and manage asset delivery under the direction of the Director of Programming.
  • Submit thoughtful written evaluations and support generation of promotion materials as related to public programs.
  • Track industry and festival trends and make programming recommendations on a weekly basis.
  • Oversee specific relationships with rights holders and sales agents to ensure SFFILM has exposure on all desired titles.
  • Develop partnerships and collaborations with other appropriate film festivals, arts organizations, distributors, and industry professionals.
  • Present SFFILM program to members, the press, and the public.
  • Introduce films, moderate Q&A sessions, lead panel discussion and other public programs.
  • Identify, research, invite, and host films and filmmakers, and other participants for public programs.
  • Support the management and oversight of SFFILM seasonal staff within the programming department when necessary for department goals and workflows.
  • Work cross-departmentally to develop strategies to promote programs and increase awareness of SFFILM.
  • Support Program team involvement with cultivation and fundraising efforts
  • Maintain an orderly and informative database.
  • Assist and collaborate with other departments as needed.
  • Participate in departmental and cross-departmental meetings and planning sessions as appropriate to the role.
  • Work within and towards all budget goals as communicated by the Director of Programming.
  • Work with and support SFFILM’s Education and Artist Development program goals when necessary for mission alignment
  • Manage ad hoc projects as assigned by the Director of Programming to support the functionality of the department.

Qualifications

  • 4-5 years of demonstrated experience in film programming or curation with solid film knowledge and expertise.
  • Knowledgeable about key filmmakers, producers, talent, distributors, with demonstrated and established industry relationships.
  • Must have strong critical writing and interpersonal skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Self-driven and motivated. Works well under pressure.
  • Comfortable speaking in public is essential.
  • Presenting festivals and film events is demanding work that can occasionally require long hours and weekend work. Candidate should understand the demands of this industry and be willing to occasionally work nights and weekends.
  • Fluency in additional languages is a plus.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally with volunteers, colleagues, and donors.
  • Strong work ethic, professional manner, and ability to represent SFFILM.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload in a timely manner to complete assignments when faced with many deadlines and competing requirements.
  • Experience with non-profit organizations is highly desirable.

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.

Guest Office Assistant

OVERVIEW:

The SFFILM Programming team is seeking an organized, enthusiastic, and welcoming candidate to support the activities of the SFFILM Guest Office for the 2023 SFFILM Festival.

The Guest Office Assistant supports all activities of the Guest Office Department, including communications and hospitality for all the guests attending the Festival (filmmakers, speakers, industry, and jury). This position would work closely with the Guest Office Manager, Coordinator and all Programmers, and would provide public facing and behind the scenes support. This position is ideal for someone with excellent communication skills and attention to detail seeking to enhance their experience in guest/artist relations. Film festival experience strongly preferred.

This is a full-time temporary role from 3/27 to 5/3, paid at an hourly rate of $20 per hour. This role has the expectation of some overtime pre-festival, with a high volume of overtime expected during the SFFILM Festival (April 13-April 23).
Covid-19 Safety: Seasonal staff at the 2023 SFFILM Festival may be required to engage in public-facing roles and thus are required to provide proof of vaccination and booster for employment.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

  • Acts as a liaison between Guest Office, Programming, Operations, Transportation, Development, Theater and other staff.
  • Provide administrative support to both the Guest Office and Programming Department as assigned, including but not limited to: liaising with multiple hotels, assigning and supervising accommodations to guests, maintaining master hotel grid, purchasing flights and overseeing airfare reimbursements.
  • Support the Guest Office Manager with the overall project management platform, scheduling, distribution of tasks and general communications.
  • Coordinate creation and disseminating welcome packs for all Festival Guests.
  • Work with the Guest Office Manager to ensure SFFILM Guests website is up to date and accurate.
  • Staff the guest services desk in the Hospitality Suite when needed during the Festival to welcome and facilitate all guests.
  • With guidance from Programming, select and hire all interpreters needed for the festival’s international guests.
  • Support the Programming Team with AMPAS hospitality.
  • Works with the Special Events Team to manage guest invitations to receptions, dinners, and other guest hospitality.
  • Work with the Guest Office Manager to coordinate excursions during the festival for filmmakers.
  • Provide administrative support for Festival Industry Days including scheduling, welcome packet assembly, and ad hoc administration. Industry Days is a two day in-person event providing networking and panel discussions.
  • Provide Administrative support for all Festival Coffee Talks.
  • Work with the Transportation department to ensure smooth overall communication between Guest Office and Transportation for guests.
  • Assist with the Guest Office wrap report.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Strong organizational, communication skills and time management skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment while juggling multiple projects.
  • Creative problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to be welcoming and comfortable interacting with people with vastly different backgrounds and roles.
  • Previous Guest/Artist Relations or Film Industry experience and/or Film Festival experience is strongly preferred but not required.
  • Experience with FileMaker Pro, Zoom webinars, G Suite, Google Forms, Microsoft Word and Excel is preferred.
  • Ability to quickly learn and implement new software and systems.
  • Experience hiring and managing volunteers is a plus.
  • Knowledge of Basecamp and foreign languages is a plus.

SUPERVISION:

Reports to the Guest Office Manager.