The Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society is a not-for-profit cultural organization that operates the internationally acclaimed Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the multi-screen VIFF Centre. We produce screenings, talks and events as a catalyst for a diverse community to discover, discuss and share the creativity and craft of storytelling on screen.

The Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society is dedicated to accessible employment practices and committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. We value a diverse and inclusive workplace that is reflective of our community and encourage applications from members of communities that have been marginalized based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, or status as an Indigenous person. Please feel free to advise us of any accommodation needs.

Reporting to the Director of Programming, the Documentary Programmer will select 12-15 documentary feature films for the 44th edition of the Vancouver International Film Festival, which runs October 2-12, 2025. Overseeing the consideration of both submitted and solicited films, the Documentary Programmer will lead the programming of VIFF’s Insights section, which features documentaries from around the world, and contribute selections to Northern Lights, the festival’s showcase of the next wave of Canadian and Indigenous filmmakers. In addition to working with consultants and screening committees and collaborating with other members of the Programming team, the Documentary Programmer will also present their selections at the festival and facilitate Q&As with the attending filmmakers.

Job Title:                            Documentary Programmer

Reports to:                        Director of Programming

Duration:                          April 1, 2025-October 15, 2025

Location:                            Pre-Festival: Remote/Festival: In-venue

Scope:                                2025 Vancouver International Film Festival

Remuneration:                $15,000 contract (based on deliverables)

Qualifications:

•        Commitment to the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion;

•        Exceptional knowledge of contemporary International, Canadian, and Indigenous documentary cinema;

•        Experience with film programming and presentation for film festivals or arts organizations;

•        Ability to critically assess a large quantity of films;

•        Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills;

•        Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion;

•        Strong decision-making skills and a results-driven approach;

•        Highly organized, focused, and able to work within tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

•        Lead the evaluation and consideration of hundreds of submitted documentary feature films.

•        Manage the records for documentary features in VIFF’s FileMaker database.

•        Coordinate assignment of submissions to screening committee members and consultants and redirect appropriate films to other VIFF programmers.

•        Program 12-15 selections for the festival, leading the curation of the Insights section (international documentaries), while also contributing to the Northern Lights section (emerging Canadian and documentary filmmakers).

•        Contribute program notes for selected films and other copywriting that will appear on VIFF’s website, as well as in other publicity and marketing materials.

•        Correspond with filmmakers, distributors, and other film suppliers, including extending invitations to screen work in the festival.

•        Introduce films and filmmakers during the festival and facilitate post-screening Q&As.

•        Facilitate the jury deliberations that will determine the winner of the festival’s Tides award for an outstanding Canadian documentary.

•        Articulate the mission and guiding principles of VIFF to the film community.

•        Support publicity, marketing, and outreach efforts that expand and diversify VIFF’s audience.