Programming InternAt — American Film Institute

Receive training on use of the FileMaker Pro database to help support the AFI FEST programming team on film tracking, screening assignments and reports.

Assist with email responses sent from AFI FEST’s general inbox.

Screen films under consideration and produce written coverage.

Assist with the drafting of AFI FEST-related correspondence, program notes and related materials, including research duties as assigned.

Attend programming meetings and select staff meetings to keep current with department developments, and gain further insight into the tracking and selection process, timeline management and communication strategy.

Understand and be able to assist with the structure and workflow of an international film festival's programming process, including film tracking, screening assignments, and timeline management.

Ability to effectively use software (e.g., FileMaker Pro) assigned to support programming operations.

Ability to evaluate short films and provide professional written coverage.

Training:

The student will receive training in the process and structure of programming for an international film festival, specifically under the guidance of the Shorts Programmer and Programming Coordinator at AFI FEST. This training will include exposure to programming-related research methods, film evaluation techniques, and the use of industry-standard tools. The student will gain insight into the broader film festival landscape, including timelines, organizational workflows, and the role of film festivals within the film industry. Additionally, the student will develop a detailed understanding of the AFI FEST film selection process, from submission to final curation.

Learning Outcome:

Understand the structure and workflow of an international film festival's programming process, including film tracking, screening assignments, and timeline management.

Effectively use industry tools such as FileMaker Pro to support programming operations.

Communicate professionally in a film festival environment, including drafting correspondence, responding to inquiries, and contributing to program notes.

Apply industry research skills to support programming decisions, while developing a broader understanding of the global film festival landscape and the role of AFI FEST within it.