Director of Programming

Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF)

Director of Programming(Part-time)

Contract Position (start/end date to be negotiated around October 24-26 festival dates) $8,500

Starting: March 1, 2024

Application Deadline: January 31st, 2024

Durham Region International Film Festival is a dynamic organization promoting arts and culture in Durham Region. DRIFF brings the film festival experience to diverse audiences in Durham Region and beyond, nurturing community connections, learning, and the development of local talent through a shared love of film.

DRIFF is seeking a part-time Director of Programming for a nine-month term. The Director of Programming will be guided by the Board of Directors, and work under the supervision of the Programming, Education, and Partnership (PEP) committee.

The ideal candidate will be a well-organized, creative individual with excellent communication skills who is a self-starter. The candidate will be able to manage and prioritize their work schedule, and have a keen sense of the importance of community engagement.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

● To select creative and original films for screening at the October Film Festival

● To recommend relevant and engaging films for DRIFF events during special events in partnership with Durham Region social/cultural/educational organizations (like the library and the Gallery)

● To assist with the production and delivery of the programming during the Festival

● To apply specialized and extensive knowledge of independent film, film criticism, and

network of connections with industry professionals, to provide a window into Canadian

cinema

● To recommend the selection of films to be considered for awards by a jury

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Overseeing the programming and official selections for the DRIFF 2024 3-day public Festival.

This includes:

● Coordinating the call for entries on FilmFreeway

● Organizing and running meetings with Screeners from the community, who will help narrow the selection of films to be considered for inclusion in the Festival, or other DRIFF events

● Attending PEP meetings as needed.

● Flagging films suitable for possible screening at other DRIFF events (at the library and the gallery) while screening film submissions for the Festival

● Drafting Festival programming plan

● Adhering to deadlines listed on FilmFreeway, and those that have been agreed to in PEP

meetings

● Notifying selected filmmakers before June 25 that their film has been accepted, and

providing them with clear instructions, and links to facilitate smooth collection of assets,

and promotional materials

● Reaching out to sources other than FilmFreeway for film submissions as deemed

necessary by the DP in consultation with the PEP

● Communicating filmmaker information to volunteer team so they can manage asset-gathering and distribution

● Locking in Festival programming line-up by August 1st, at the latest

● Liaising and negotiating with distributors as needed.

● Reaching out to directors/producers to attend the Festival

● Selecting films in each award category, then supporting the volunteer jurors in making their judgement as to the winner of each

● Producing a final report by November 30th, that includes statistics, successes that should be continued or built-upon, and recommendations for improvements.

● Recognizing that some work will be required on evenings and weekends, and will

require flexibility

● Agreeing that occasional travel to/within Durham Region will be required, and that

such travel expenses will be reimbursed by DRIFF by prearrangement

● Attending the 3-day Festival. Hotel accommodation may be provided if the distance to

the venue precludes comfortable commuting

QUALIFICATIONS

● Experience as a Director of Programming, or Assistant/Associate Programmer for a

multi-day film festival

● Experience working with distributors

● Familiarity with film and video formats, film production requirements, and their relative

strengths

● Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively, as well as with a team

● Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, even under pressure

● Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills

● Strong oral and written communication skills

This is a remote position; candidates must have their own computers, WIFI connections, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Please submit applications to secretary@driff.ca by Monday, January 31st, 2024

DRIFF is an equal opportunity organization and encourages applications from qualified candidates from visible and invisible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

DRIFF thanks all those who apply.

Only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Job Types: Contract, Part-time
Contract length: 9 months

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-01-31