Film Programmer (BFI Festivals) - Maternity Cover
British Film Institute
London
Home Film Programmer (BFI Festivals) – Maternity Cover
Fixed Term Contract: (18 January 2027 – 05 November 2027)
Location: London, BFI Southbank
Hybrid working: 3 days onsite and 2 days work from home
We are looking for an experienced Film Programmer who will support the artistic vision of the festival and bring a creative and considered approach to welcoming existing and new audiences to a wide range of work.
Working closely with the Festival Artistic Director and programme team this role will devise and deliver a programme that differentiates the BFI in terms of quality and relevance to dialogue and debate around the moving image, while also working to meet the box office and audience targets of all of BFI’s Festivals. The role will actively engage in all elements of the programme including film selections, public programmes, writing for festival publications, hosting Q&A’sandevents.
What you’ll do
Research& Viewing
- Actively research films frominitialproject phase and maintain festival database toensure information is accurately recorded.
- View Feature and Short films including Work in Progress titles and write viewing notes with clear indications of potentialaudiences
Programming
- Champion films, discuss them, and take an active role in the decision-making process.
- Write lively, enticing, and accessible marketing copy about the films and programme. Support the brochure production process.
- Host informed and accessible on-stage introductions, Q&As and panel discussions with filmmakers and industry guests.
Stakeholder Management
- Ensure that best practice standards for visiting filmmaker and industry guests are upheld in collaboration with theGuest and Hospitality teams.
What you’ll bring
- Significant and demonstratable experienceof feature film programming in a film festival environment that serves a broad public audience.
- Demonstrable knowledge of international cinema and historical film.
- Significant contacts and demonstratable working relationships across UK and international film industries.
- Proven ability for self-guidedresearch including tracking films in various stages of production, writingreports and meeting briefs, analysing box office data.
- Proven experience with viewing and decision making on feature films (including work-in-progress material).
- Significant and demonstratable experience in scheduling film programmes and events.
Take a look at the full job description to learn more about the role and how you could be a great fit.
First interviews will be held in the week commencing 16 November
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 Black and Global Majority. We guarantee a place at the first stage selection process to our under-represented groups who meet our minimum requirements.
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The closing date for this position is 04/11/2026 at 23:59
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Film Programmer (BFI Festivals) - Maternity Cover employer: Independent Cinema Office
Soho House is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration at its Electric Cinema White City location in London. Employees benefit from generous perks, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering immersive cinematic experiences for members and guests. With a focus on professional growth and a supportive environment, working here means being part of something truly special.
