Reporting to the Executive Director, the Programme Director (“PD”) will be responsible for the overall programming strategy, planning and execution of the annual Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), the Silver Screen Awards (SSA), SGIFF Film Academy and any other related events and year-round activities for e.g. talks and seminars, additional events. This includes the selection of films/programme/award sections and invitations to filmmakers/festival committees/VIP guests/ nominees etc. The PD is responsible for maintaining the integrity and excellence of SGIFF through its programmes. The PD must have a deep understanding and be committed to SGIFF’s mission and values.

The PD is to work with the Executive Director (“ED”) to articulate the programming direction for SGIFF and jointly communicate that vision to staff, industry, media and the general public. He/she is also responsible for the healthy growth in ticket sales and audience numbers, working closely with the ED and the Marketing, Business Development and Hospitality teams.

Programme Management

• Work closely with the ED to plan programme sections and awards for the SGIFF, SSA, SGIFF Film Academy and all other activities of the SGIFF, including outreach and education, talks and panels
• Oversee and manage all aspects of programming including but not limited to:
  • Secure films for screenings and competition with ability to secure World, International, Asian premieres, confirm the final selection of titles
  • Manage invitations of suitable guests, including jury members, mentors, speakers, recipients of awards, filmmakers and any other guests
  • Supervise and be responsible for all areas of the programming department: manage, guide, train and mentor programming staff, create professional submission systems and forms, implement film selection procedures, plan screening schedule, ensure professional film testing standards, ensure smooth delivery and return of materials for film traffic, materials’ collation, negotiate best possible fees for films, coordinate with other film partners or curators when necessary, oversee all film screenings, manage film classification process and all other necessary paperwork for programming
  • Secure and manage screening venues and partnerships together with Business Development and the ED
  • Collaborate with Marketing on the promotion of film submissions via Call for Entries and festival marketing materials
  • Ensure relevant materials and content are available and shared for SGIFF programme booklets and any other marketing materials, working closely with Marketing and relevant teams
  • Determine key success factors for programming-related matters and review the annual programming with the Programmes & Services Committee of the Board, including measurement of the success factors
  • Maintain and monitor the programming budget set for the programming team for each year

Event Management

• Contribute towards events and awards management and assist the relevant teams to ensure the smooth running of the film events
• Provide relevant information to the hospitality team to assist in arrangement of VIP guests, jury and invited filmmakers led by the Hospitality team
• Compilation of information and supporting documents for events and the main festival for use in reports relating to the programming of SGIFF, SSA and other activities
• Assist in funding application documents and budget and preparation of various reports and analyses relating to festival programming to the Board and government agencies and funders
• Contribute towards the development of PR strategies, led by Marketing, ED and PR agency

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the Business Development team to manage programme partnerships with embassies, cultural institutions and other sponsors, including preparing programming proposals and delivery of the agreed programme collaboration/partnership
• Co-ordinate with related Government agencies, business associates and partner events relating to SGIFF where needed
• Build good relationships and cooperation with all filmmakers and industry players; other Festivals and Programme Directors, film studios and production companies, the Board, the Board Committee members, advisors, consultants, government bodies, SGIFF partners e.g. Singapore Media Festival, sponsors and donors

General Management

• To build a culture of trust, mutual respect, integrity and strong sense of team and collaboration within SGIFF
• Ensure SGIFF’s outputs, activities, outcomes, and impacts are delivered as committed
• Guide and support team’s work to build a cohesive team that achieves set targets and work plans
• To perform other tasks as assigned by ED and the Board from time to time

Experience

• 8 to 10 years of film programming for cultural institutions and/or film festivals and/or closely related experience in a leadership role.
• Must demonstrate a deep and broad knowledge of contemporary and classic Singapore, Asian and Southeast Asian cinema. 
• Must possess knowledge and progression of world cinema and its relevance to SGIFF 
• Possess strong written and verbal skills, strong ability to articulate a curatorial position, and experience in film criticism 
• Wide range of contacts and network in the Singapore, Asian and international film industry.
• Shown dedication to the film community and independent cinema, and has a good professional track record. 
• Knowledge of technical formats, film production, distribution and presentation.

Core skills

• Demonstrated management responsibilities and organizational skills. Ability to execute projects efficiently and effectively, according to schedule, quality, budget and appropriate attention to detail.
• Able to organize/prioritize work, manage multiple tasks and projects, and function effectively as a self-directed leader of multiple initiatives.
• Problem-solving capability with a hands-on orientation, with a high tolerance of ambiguity and a sense of urgency to complete work on tight or shifting timelines.
• Strong emotional intelligence, impartiality and the ability to exercise good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to train, guide, and mentor a team.
• Able to work well with a diverse team of colleagues, partners, and stakeholders

This is a full-time position based in Singapore. Suitably qualified candidates regardless of nationality and citizenship can apply.  Only local terms of employment will be offered.  The company will assist in the application of a work visa, if necessary.

Interested applicants may send a detailed cover letter that includes your thoughts on SGIFF and its position in the region, a copy of your CV, a picture of yourself, two references, and your expected salary to pdapplication@sgiff.com by 24 March 2021.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Founded in 1987, the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is the largest and longest-running film event in Singapore. It has become an iconic event in the local arts calendar that is widely attended by international film critics; and known for its dynamic programming and focus on ground-breaking Asian cinema for Singapore and the region.

Committed to nurturing and championing local and regional talent, its competition component, the Silver Screen Awards, brings together emerging filmmakers from Asia and Southeast Asia while paying tribute to acclaimed cinema legends.

With its mentorship programmes, masterclasses and dialogues with attending filmmakers, the Festival also serves as a catalyst for igniting public interest, artistic dialogue, and cultural exchanges in the art of filmmaking.

The SGIFF is organised by the Singapore International Film Festival Ltd, a non-profit organisation with Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/sginternationalfilmfestival/