VQFF Programming Disruptor Fellowship
/ORGANIZATION:
Out On Screen
DEADLINE:
Feb. 22, 2026
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
About Out On Screen
At Out On Screen, we look for people who share our belief in the power of film and education to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Out On Screen works to create an equitable society where 2SLGBTQIA+ people are respected, valued, and protected across all our intersections of identity. We pursue our mission with two core programs: Vancouver Queer Film Festival and Out In Schools.
The annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival celebrates and promotes authentic authorship and representation that uplifts, empowers, and furthers the liberty, culture, and justice of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
Take a look at our values (https://outonscreen.com/about/who-we-are/), and if you think we’re aligned, check out the paid training & work program opportunity below.
WEBSITE:
http://outonscreen.com
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Fellowship Summary:
The Programming Disruptor Fellowship is intended for BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ creatives in Canada growing their careers in film, arts, and culture. This paid training initiative from Out On Screen aims to open up the ranks for equity-deserving community members to secure roles in the competitive film curatorial field. We recognize the urgent need in film programming for greater representation and intersectional perspectives, particularly from Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities.
The Fellowship offers three emerging film programmers who identify as BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ with the opportunity to:
• Become an integral part of the curation of the 38th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival
• Receive a living wage for training and work as a film programmer
• Learn from inclusive and respected industry professionals
The Fellowship combines workshops, networking engagements, and hands-on experience to coach Fellows throughout the entirety of the programming process. Workshops are informed and led by our network of film programmers, festival organizers, filmmakers, and artists who platform 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC stories. Through industry mentorship, Fellows will be equipped with a practical framework to build a community-oriented film festival.
Workshop topics include:
• Narrative change and authentic 2SLGBTQIA+ representation in media
• Film as a cultural power and community-building tool
• Ethical and restorative programming
• Writing film evaluations and marketing copy
Participants will leave empowered to recognize their role as innovative culture builders. Fellows will co-create the artistic direction of VQFF 2026, from programme themes to Festival events that connect diverse audiences with impactful queer cinema and memorable experiences.
Curriculum
The Programming Disruptor Fellowship spans five phases over 6 months:
• Phase 1: Curatorial Lens & Toolkit | Mar 23 - Apr 9
• Phase 2: Film Evaluation & Event Programming | Mar 23 - Jun 25
• Phase 3: Copywriting | May 19 - Jul 2
• Phase 4: Career & Community Building | Aug 1 - Sep 10
• Phase 5: In-person Festival and Wrap-up | Sep 10 - Sep 24
Schedule:
• 15 hours per week from March 23–July 2
• Break (no working hours) – July 3–31
• 5 hours per week from August 1–Sept 10
• 30 hours per week from Sept 10–24
Applicants must be available to attend both remote and in-person commitments to be considered. Responsibilities and duties for Phases 1–4 may be conducted through remote, in-person, or hybrid work. Phase 5 requires in-person duties at the Festival. Travel support is available for Fellows residing outside of Vancouver, BC. See the “Working Conditions” section below for more details on the schedule.
Working Conditions
Schedule:
• Out On Screen’s business hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am–5pm.
• Fellows are expected to attend the majority of the program within business hours, but flexible work schedules are possible for asynchronous tasks.
• Expected evening/weekend commitments as follows:
° 1–2 evening/weekend commitments per month from March to August
° During the Festival, staff are required to be available to work on evenings and weekends for the duration of the festival within their agreed-upon hours
• Evening and weekend work is reflected in Out On Screen’s banked hour system; staff can take time in lieu to ensure a balanced work week with supervisor approval.
Physical Workspace
• Out On Screen is currently working in a hybrid remote format with selective work-from-home supports in place.
• Our office is located in Chinatown:
° Hot-desking via booking app
° Elevators up to the unit
° 2 single-stall enclosed all gender washrooms on the same floor as our office
° All doors are unpowered and a minimum of 30” wide
° Our office is scent-reduced, but communal spaces are not
° A communicable disease plan in place and is available upon request
° Secure bike parking is available on site
° Dog-friendly office (with an affectionate weimaraner-in-residence)
Vacation/Time Off
The Fellowship Program includes an unpaid scheduled break between July 3 and July 31, 2026.
Vacation will be paid out at 4% in lieu of every pay period.
Paid holidays for Indigenous Peoples Day and Easter Monday.
Option to swap statutory holidays in order to observe different religious holidays or cultural events, including Indigenous ceremonies.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Participate in weekly programming meetings and scheduled events
• Develop skills to curate film festivals and coordinate logistics through workshops, role shadowing, and networking engagements
• Watch, score, and write evaluations for short and feature-length narrative and documentary films and episodic series on FilmFreeway and/or Fiona platform
• Collaborate with the Programming team in the curation of the 38th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival, which includes special presentations, feature film screenings, short film and episodic programs, performances, and Q&As
• Adhere to all programming deadlines
• Write and proofread curatorial support materials, including copy for use in film guides, website, and other promotional materials
• Prepare and host in-person Q&As for post-screening discussions and industry panels
• Correspond with filmmakers and artists to solicit submissions, offer waivers, and extend invitations
• Establish trusted relationships with filmmakers and executives and work closely with them and their teams to leverage their vision and strategy
• Engage cultural, community, and arts organizations and build relationships to connect community groups with festival events
• Represent Out On Screen as a professional team member while engaging with filmmakers, donors, audiences, and other community members
• Support Festival staff in creating positive guest experiences, filmmaker participation, and audience growth
• Provide a wrap report to overview program experience, work, and feedback
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Interest in or some experience with arts, events, and/or film programming (paid or unpaid/volunteer)
• Media analysis skills, specifically around queer narratives
• Knowledge of 2SLGBTQIA+ language, issues, and tools for inclusion through an intersectional lens
• Comfortable with public speaking and facilitating
• Writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills to work collaboratively, take initiative, and pay close attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion
• Comfortable using Zoom, Slack, and/or other video-calling applications
• Proficient skills with Google Workspace or similar software for spreadsheets, documentation, and project management (i.e. MS Office Suite)
• Committed to the values of creativity, courage, respect, intersectionality, and anti-oppression
• Ability to travel/carry out in-person duties in September 2026
Don’t sweat it if you don’t have everything listed above! We believe in growth and curiosity. If you have some of these qualities and are excited about this opportunity, we want to hear from you.
All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply through our web portal (https://careers.risepeople.com/outonscreen/) with the following:
Resume/CV.
(a) Cover letter or (b) a video or audio recording (under 5 minutes) with the following information:
• Your connection to the queer community
• Your priorities and interests as a film programmer. What kind of stories do you gravitate towards?
• Your career aspirations(a) Writing sample of approximately 100–200 words, attached to your cover letter or (b) a 1–2 minute video or audio recording on one of the following topics:
• A 2SLGBTQIA+ character that resonated with you
• A queer film (short or feature, documentary or narrative) that has impacted you
• A film that you find problematic or harmful and why
Please note that if you are submitting video or audio recording(s), you will need to provide links with appropriate sharing permissions/privacy settings that allow our team to view your content. There may be a delay in reviewing your application if we are unable to access your content. Recommended platforms include Dropbox, Google Drive, Vimeo, and Proton Drive.
Application Process:
• Reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the Fellows are chosen
• 60-minute Zoom interview between March 2–10, 2026
• A series of questions will be provided in advance for the candidate to consider prior to the interview
• Interviewed candidates will be asked to provide at least one professional reference
• Decisions are made roughly one week after all interviews are complete. Applicant updates will be provided at this time
• Fellowship start date is Monday, March 23, 2026
Out On Screen strives for meaningful opportunities from all communities and for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Indigenous people, First Nations people, Black people, people of colour, and people across the spectrums of gender, sexuality, age, and abilities are encouraged to apply.
We welcome accommodation requests in advance of interviews.
We thank all candidates for applying and appreciate their time and patience as we review the applications. Applicants will be contacted with any updates regarding their application status.
REMUNERATION:
Compensation per Fellow is up to $10,000 paid at an hourly rate of $27.85/hour. This compensation is not negotiable as it reflects the current budget. Fellows will be paid as part-time contract staff and are required to track their working hours. Funds are available for accessibility requests related to participating in the Fellowship, up to $2,000 per fellow.
