Host organisation: Glasgow Short Film Festival
Project title: GSFF 2026 Programme Internship
Project description

Glasgow Short Film Festival, the leading short film event in Scotland, hosts an inclusive community of filmmakers and film lovers, showcasing ground-breaking works of visual storytelling. We aim to define and inspire diverse forms of cinematic expression, in Scotland and around the world.

This Programme Internship is intended to give a doctoral researcher insight into the planning and delivery of the 19th edition of Glasgow Short Film Festival (18-22 March 2026). This role primarily supports the programming, event management and general administration of the festival. Glasgow Short Film Festival is run by a small tight-knit, collaborative and inclusive team, and the internship will offer opportunities to get involved with all aspects of festival delivery.

Outputs

The role will combine creative programme research with the various administrative tasks of festival delivery, including populating and maintaining the festival database, communicating with invited filmmakers and other film representatives, liaising with the Programme Manager and external Film Controller regarding film files and materials received. The researcher will have the opportunity to contribute to film curation, as well as writing catalogue entries on individual films, hosting screenings and chairing Q&As or discussions where appropriate.

Location
The internship will be of most value - both to the researcher and to GSFF - if they are present in our office in Tradeston, Glasgow. However, hybrid working is also possible. It is essential that they are available to be on-site for the entire week of the festival, 16-22 March (TOIL can be taken for any additional hours worked that week).
Benefits to the researcher
  • Communication
  • Dealing with film industry professionals
  • The ability to work both in a team and independently
  • Experience of working under pressure in a busy environment
  • The ability to multi-task and meet a range of delegated deadline
  • Experience in staging events from planning to completion

They will also have opportunities to contribute creatively to the festival programme and its delivery.

Key relationships

Focusing on programme administration the intern will primarily be dealing directly with filmmakers, distributors, archivists and other rights holders, handling enquiries, requesting screening materials, etc. They will have the opportunity to meet some of these filmmakers in person at the festival, where they may also have the opportunity to engage directly with a range of audiences attending screenings, whether on stage or informally.

Timescale

Start date (or must start by): 12th January 2026

End date (or must end by): 3rd April 2026

Work structure: Single block of 12 weeks

Subject areas

This opportunity would be relevant to the following subject areas:

Visual Arts; Curating; Policy, Arts Management and Creative Industries; Cultural Studies and Pop Culture; Media and Communication Studies; Film History, Theory and Criticism.

Person specification

A1. Knowledge Base
  • Desirable: Subject Knowledge; Information Seeking; Information literacy and management; Languages.
A2. Cognitive Abilities
  • Desirable: Critical thinking; Evaluating; Problem Solving.
A3. Creativity
  • Desirable: Inquiring minds; Intellectual insight; Innovation
B1. Personal qualities
  • Essential: Enthusiasm; Integrity; Self-reflection.
  • Desirable: Perseverance; Self-confidence; Responsibility.
B2. Self management
  • Desirable: Preparation and prioritisation; Time management.
B3. Professional & career development
  • Essential: Continuing professional development; Responsiveness to opportunities.
  • Desirable: Career management; Networking; Reputation and esteem.
C1. Professional conduct
  • Desirable: Ethics, principles and sustainability; Respect and confidentiality.
C2. Research management
  • Desirable: Project planning and delivery.
D1. Working with others
  • Desirable: Team working; Collaboration; Equality and diversity.

First published: 9 October 2025

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