Volunteer Pre-Programmers
Bolton International Film Festival 2027
Salary: Unpaid
Bolton International Film Festival is recruiting Volunteer Pre-Programmers to review submissions for its 2027 edition.
Are you passionate about short films and interested in film programming? We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help review submissions for one of the UK's largest BAFTA, BIFA and Grierson qualifying short film festivals.
Each year we receive thousands of submissions from around the world, spanning fiction, documentary, animation, experimental and immersive cinema. As a Volunteer Pre-Programmer, you'll play an important role in shaping the festival by watching and assessing short film submissions, providing scores and written feedback that help our programming team identify the strongest films for the 2027 programme.
Working remotely and at your own pace, your recommendations will directly influence which films progress to the next stage of the festival's selection process.
What you'll do
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Watch and evaluate an agreed number of short film submissions between October 2026 and June 2027.
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Assess films using our online submissions platform.
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Provide thoughtful scores and concise written feedback.
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Identify outstanding films for further consideration by the programming team.
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Take part in optional online discussions with fellow pre-programmers and festival staff.
Who we're looking for
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People with a genuine passion for film and storytelling.
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Individuals who can critically engage with fiction, documentary, animation, experimental and immersive work.
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Reliable volunteers who can meet agreed viewing deadlines.
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Curious, open-minded viewers with an interest in discovering new filmmaking talent from around the world.
No previous festival programming experience is required.
We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented within the screen industries and are committed to building a diverse team of pre-programmers with a broad range of perspectives and lived experiences.
Why get involved?
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Gain practical experience programming an international BAFTA, BIFA and Grierson qualifying film festival.
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Learn how festival selection decisions are made.
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Discover exciting new filmmakers before they reach audiences.
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Receive a complimentary Industry Pass to Bolton International Film Festival 2027.
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Receive credit in the festival programme and on the festival website.
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Join a community of programmers, filmmakers and industry professionals.
This is a flexible, unpaid volunteer role completed entirely online. The number of films you watch will depend on your availability and will be agreed before the viewing period begins.
How to apply
Please send:
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your CV.
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a short covering letter explaining why you would like to become a Volunteer Pre-Programmer.
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three short film reviews (maximum 150 words each) of films you have watched online recently – please include links to the films.
Successful applicants will receive an online induction to Bolton International Film Festival's programming process before reviewing submissions.
Please email info@boltonfilmfestival.com with the subject line:
[Your Name] – Pre-Programmer Application
Applications close: [Closing date]