Programme Advisor (Short Film) Freelance

Salary: Up to £2,500

The BFI Festivals team is seeking four freelance Programme Advisors to advise on the programming of submitted to the 67th BFI London Film Festival in October 2023.

About the Role

We are actively seeking applications for this new freelance position to encourage and develop new curatorial voices with a passion for short films.

A team of four Short Film Programme Advisors will be responsible for working collaboratively through the process of curating 6-8 short film programmes for the LFF. They will view, assess and discuss short films submitted to the Festival, with the expectation that each Programme Advisor will see approximately 300 short films. Programme Advisors may also do primary research to find work to call in from countries and regions underrepresented through the open submissions process. Short Film Programme Advisors will recommend the final curated selection of short film programmes to the internal Programming team, ensuring both quality and diversity. They will also play an active role in determining the short-list for the BFI London Film Festival Short Film Award.

This role requires enthusiasm for a collaborative approach to programming, working alongside internal programmers and other Short Film Programme Advisors. and would suit an active communicator who enjoys sharing work with a wide public, including key festival audiences (such as 16-30 year olds).

Role Outline

• First view and assess short films submitted to the Festival, and second-view and discuss short films recommended by colleagues (a maximum of 300 short films).
• Actively track short films from countries underrepresented through the submission process, and request screeners through the LFF programme team.
• Feed into the Festival marketing process with ideas for editorial and press angles around the films and filmmakers in the selection.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Minimum of two years’ relevant experience in programming or curatorial environment.
• Demonstrably strong knowledge of film with a specific passion for short film.
• Strong professional connections and networks in the UK.
• Some awareness of cultural and political sensitivities around programming and presenting films, an openness to engage in discussions about this with internal colleagues.
• Proven ability to engage in discussion around films, to articulate a film’s qualities, flaws and potential audience, beyond the realm of personal taste.
• Demonstrable commitment to addressing 16-30 year old and ethnically diverse audiences, audiences and artists with a disability, and a commitment to inclusion more broadly.
• Understanding of the importance of time management, and ability to view and assess a high number of films within a finite amount of time, in a deadline-oriented environment.

The successful candidate will be paid a fee up to £2,500 for work completed towards the project. Payments will be agreed against set objectives throughout the course of the contract.

We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams. As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under-represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are ethnically diverse.

We guarantee a first interview to our under-represented groups who meet our minimum requirements. How we are doing, including our pay gaps can be found on our website.

Applications

Further details about the post can be obtained by visiting the BFI website.

Interviews will be held on Friday 10 and Monday 13 March 2023

The closing date for this position is 03/03/2023 at 23:59