What does a film festival programmer do?
A look behind the curtain with Sundance's (virtual) launch today.
For the next week, all eyes in the film world are on the Sundance Film Festival to kick off the new year in independent cinema. Or at least … they’re looking online as the festival moves all virtual (kind of — more to come on this in the coming weeks) in the wake of the omicron variant. I’m getting ready to log on for my first on their platform in a second. And there are still some single tickets available for you, should you be interested in watching the premieres of 2022’s lineup!
You probably know the festival name. You probably have an idea of the types of movies they show. But who are those mysterious programmers behind the scenes that put together festival lineups? If you’ve ever wondered, I’ve got a treat for you.
I recently spoke with a friend of mine who, under the condition of anonymity, spoke candidly about the role of the festival programmer. This person has worked with some of the most elite festivals and organizations in North America and has graciously offered their insights into how their job and industry fit into the art and commerce of film. Enjoy!
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