Job Description

The Programmer, Sundance Film Festival is responsible for upholding the artistic integrity of the Sundance Film Festival by evaluating and selecting films.

Working closely under the Director of Programming, the Programmer will be assigned film categories and genres upon hire. The position will also manage programming events in collaboration with the team.

This full-time position is based out of the greater Los Angeles, CA area in order to work onsite in a hybrid capacity throughout the year. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends will be required at key points. Frequent domestic and international travel, including to Boulder, Colorado to work onsite during the January Film Festival will also be required.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• Viewing and evaluating Festival submissions and actively participating in the selection of films and the structure of the Festival program.

• Managing film tracking and outreach, handling correspondence with filmmakers and participating in the submission process.

• Soliciting film submissions, monitoring screeners, and tracking submissions in the database.

• Notifying filmmakers of acceptance or rejection and collecting supporting materials for accepted filmmakers.

• Hosting filmmakers and industry representatives at the Festival to ensure needs are met.

• Writing film descriptions and other copy for film guide, catalog, and website.

• Introducing and moderating film Q&As at screenings.

• Managing and coordinating meetings and Sundance Film Festival Industry Meetings events.

• Conducting outreach, cultivating and maintaining relationships with artists, producers, directors, and other professionals in the international film community.

• Scouting for and soliciting new talent and projects by attending and researching selected film festivals, conferences, and markets.

• Representing the organization and the Programming Department at events and in print, radio, and televised interviews with the press.

• Assisting in programming and planning for festivals and events outside of the annual Sundance Film Festival.

• Participating in Institute working groups on strategic projects.

• Evaluating and programming New Frontier projects to be exhibited at the Festival, conducting outreach, confirming selection of exhibitions, and curating installations and performances.

• Supporting New Frontier as needed, including cultivating and building relationships with storytellers, artists, creative technologists, and professionals working at the crossroads of film, art, and emerging technologies.

• Actively researching trends and achievements in interactive, immersive, and online media.

• Managing other related special projects as needed.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• 4 years experience programming and evaluating film.

• Project management experience.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording, tracking, and issuing information.

• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills required to deal with the public, filmmakers, industry, donors, and internal colleagues.

• Excellent organizational skills including self-management of work schedule.

• Ability to set priorities and manage multiple demands.

• Ability to work collaboratively and meet the needs of internal and external constituents.

• Passion for independent film and Sundance Institute’s mission.

• Experience working with databases, experience with Airtable preferred.

• A bachelor's degree in film or equivalent experience is preferred.

• Experience with international film marketplaces and cinema preferred.

• Ability to speak, read, and write in an additional language to English preferred.

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Cultivate new relationships and maintain current ones with artists and industry contacts.

• Contribute to conversations around solving artist and industry issues in the field and Sundance Institute’s position within them.

• Maintain regular communication with programming colleagues while regarding each as an equal contributor to the process.

• Contribute to the larger thinking around ways the Festival can continue to improve and serve its constituents and the role programming can have within that process.

• Actively collaborate and ideate on ways Sundance Institute can expand both its domestic and international reach and connect with filmmakers from underrepresented regions.

• Create a welcoming environment for coworkers, artists, audiences, and external constituents.

• Uphold and model positive, inclusive, and equitable Institute values in press appearances, Introduction/Q&As, and events.

In addition to an annual salary of $70,000.00 to $75,000.00*, this position** is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, highlights include:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance

• 25 paid Institute holidays plus accrued vacation time

• Paid sick, family, and medical leave

• Employee Wellness initiatives

• 401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment

• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Final rate of pay is determined based on the applicant's geographic location, relevant experience and skills, and internal equity among similar positions within our organization.

**Applications open 03/20/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week