Premieres Programming Consultant (Part-Time Independent Contractor)

Film Forum seeks a Programming Consultant to work with the Premieres Artistic Director to select outstanding international films for NYC premiere theatrical engagements and special events at the nonprofit cinema. The Programming Consultant will be an integral part in realizing the theater’s mission by carrying forward its uncompromising curatorial vision to present an international array of films that treat diverse social, political, historical and cultural realities while serving the wide-ranging audience from around the metropolitan area that attend Film Forum.

This is an independent contractor position that will have an initial contract period of 4 months, with the option to renew by mutual agreement. The candidate must have a curatorial perspective, experience in programming for film festivals or cinemas, enthusiasm for new independent and international world cinema, be skilled at public speaking, moderating Q&As, and writing/editing original program copy. They will report to the Premieres Artistic Director.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research, screen and assess films submitted to and solicited by FF, coordinating this process with the Premieres and Marketing Associate
• Select films for theatrical engagements with the Premieres Artistic Director
• Support Director of Communications with premieres events coordination as needed
• Coordinate programming with the Repertory, Operations, and Communications departments as needed
• Introduce screenings and moderate select filmmaker Q&As (approx. 2/month)
• Write and edit original calendar copy
• Attend select film festivals

Skills, Experience, and Abilities

• At least 3 years of professional experience in programming for cinemas, festivals, or film organizations (outside of university film societies and festival screening committees)
• Passion for film and extensive knowledge of the current independent and international film landscape
• Experience in writing concise, original film synopses and excellent copy-editing skills
• Web and computer literacy, including proficiency with Excel, Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, and project management software (e.g. Asana)
• Superior organizational, interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills
• Detail and deadline-oriented, with the ability to prioritize tasks across multiple simultaneous projects
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
• Professional, collaborative, friendly demeanor, and good judgment

About Film Forum

Film Forum is a 4-screen, nonprofit, independent cinema in downtown Manhattan. As a cinema of ideas, Film Forum is committed to taking risks on debut and little-known filmmakers, presenting well-crafted and compelling films from the U.S. and around the world that address diverse political and historical realities, and engage contemporary issues and challenges, and in supporting the best in new independent filmmaking. Unlike commercial cinemas that primarily “book” high-grossing, Hollywood films, Film Forum’s programs are thoughtfully selected, with attention to unique cinematic qualities, historical importance individually or within a genre and relevance to today’s world.

Pay: $1,400 a week, 20-25 hours weekly, plus some evenings and weekends at the theater. This is an independent contractor position.

Length of contract: 4 months, option to renew contract by mutual agreement.

To apply: Email a cover letter, resume and three references to jobs@filmforum.org.

Film Forum seeks a Programming Consultant to work with the Premieres Artistic Director to select outstanding international films for NYC premiere theatrical engagements and special events at the nonprofit cinema. The Programming Consultant will be an integral part in realizing the theater’s mission by carrying forward its uncompromising curatorial vision to present an international array of films that treat diverse social, political, historical and cultural realities while serving the wide-ranging audience from around the metropolitan area that attend Film Forum.

This is an independent contractor position that will have an initial contract period of 4 months, with the option to renew by mutual agreement. The candidate must have a curatorial perspective, experience in programming for film festivals or cinemas, enthusiasm for new independent and international world cinema, be skilled at public speaking, moderating Q&As, and writing/editing original program copy. They will report to the Premieres Artistic Director.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research, screen and assess films submitted to and solicited by FF, coordinating this process with the Premieres and Marketing Associate
• Select films for theatrical engagements with the Premieres Artistic Director
• Support Director of Communications with premieres events coordination as needed
• Coordinate programming with the Repertory, Operations, and Communications departments as needed
• Introduce screenings and moderate select filmmaker Q&As (approx. 2/month)
• Write and edit original calendar copy
• Attend select film festivals

Skills, Experience, and Abilities

• At least 3 years of professional experience in programming for cinemas, festivals, or film organizations (outside of university film societies and festival screening committees)
• Passion for film and extensive knowledge of the current independent and international film landscape
• Experience in writing concise, original film synopses and excellent copy-editing skills
• Web and computer literacy, including proficiency with Excel, Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, and project management software (e.g. Asana)
• Superior organizational, interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills
• Detail and deadline-oriented, with the ability to prioritize tasks across multiple simultaneous projects
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
• Professional, collaborative, friendly demeanor, and good judgment
• Does not need to live in NYC, but must be able to travel to theater for some screenings and events

About Film Forum

Film Forum is a 4-screen, nonprofit, independent cinema in downtown Manhattan. As a cinema of ideas, Film Forum is committed to taking risks on debut and little-known filmmakers, presenting well-crafted and compelling films from the U.S. and around the world that address diverse political and historical realities, and engage contemporary issues and challenges, and in supporting the best in new independent filmmaking. Unlike commercial cinemas that primarily “book” high-grossing, Hollywood films, Film Forum’s programs are thoughtfully selected, with attention to unique cinematic qualities, historical importance individually or within a genre and relevance to today’s world.

Pay: $1,400 a week, 20-25 hours weekly, plus some evenings and weekends at the theater. This is an independent contractor position.

Length of contract: 4 months, option to renew contract by mutual agreement.

To apply: Email a cover letter, resume and three references to jobs@filmforum.org.