Newport Beach Film Festival Programming InternshipAt — Newport Beach Film Festival
The Newport Beach Film Festival is seeking applicants for intern positions in film programming.
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Film Programming is at the heart of the Newport Beach Film Festival, shaping the festival’s dynamic lineup of feature films, documentaries, short programs, and international cinema. Programming interns play an important role in the film selection process by reviewing submissions, evaluating content, and being a liaison for filmmakers during the week of the festival. This hands-on experience offers valuable insight into curatorial decision-making and industry trends.
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Founded in 1999, NBFF has evolved into a prestigious multicultural event, attracting over 50,000 attendees; it has emerged as the largest international cinema event in coastal Southern California. Since its inception, the Festival has played a central role for filmmakers from all over the world bringing independent and studio films to Newport Beach, as well as providing cinematic educational development programs to our community. The Festival has now developed into one of the most respected and inclusive festivals in the industry, screening over 350 films from over 55 different countries. We play a major role in giving filmmakers the validation for projects that they have been working on for the last several years.
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Duties:
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Review and evaluate film submissions using established programming criteria and provide written coverage and recommendations.
Assist with maintaining and organizing film submission records, databases, and programming materials.
Participate in programming meetings and discussions regarding film selection and festival lineup development.
Communicate professionally with filmmakers regarding submissions, festival participation, and event logistics.
Support filmmaker relations and programming operations during festival week, serving as a liaison between filmmakers and Festival staff.
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Training:
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Students will receive an initial orientation covering the Newport Beach Film Festival’s mission, operations, workplace expectations, and internship responsibilities. Training will include instruction on film evaluation, programming logistics, and the festival’s submission systems.
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Throughout the internship, students will receive ongoing mentorship through regular check-ins with Programming staff, participate in programming meetings, and gain hands-on experience reviewing film submissions and working with filmmakers. During festival week, interns will receive additional training in filmmaker relations and festival operations while receiving continuous feedback on their work and professional development.
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Learning Outcomes:
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1) Evaluate and analyze film submissions using established programming criteria, demonstrating an understanding of storytelling, technical execution, and audience appeal.
2) Develop professional communication skills by interacting with filmmakers, festival staff, and industry members in a collaborative environment.
3) Demonstrate knowledge of film festival operations by participating in programming activities and supporting filmmaker relations during the festival.
4) Identify emerging trends in independent and international cinema and articulate how these trends influence festival programming decisions and audience engagement.