REEL SISTERS
Summary
The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series (RS) seeks a creative and
organized intern to support with pre-screening of films, planning, and production of our annual
film festival. Reel Sisters season spans from November 23’ to November 24’ (with in-person
festival events occurring primarily in October and virtual events in November).
Reel Sisters’ interns will see firsthand the ins and outs of producing a NYC-based film festival.
Interns will use their analytic and creative skills to pre-screen films, support RS social media and
awareness-building efforts, and work alongside industry professionals in film/cinematography,
non-profit social impact, and art.
Responsibilities
● Pre-screen and rate film submissions (historically RS receives nearly 600 submissions
per year!)
● Provide assistance at the RS events based on individual knowledge and skills (technical
assistance, production assistance, ushering/assisting guests, photographing/filming
events, etc.)
● Provide general support to the Reel Sisters production/coordinating team with
festival-related tasks as needed
● Support in the outreach and awareness building for the festival via digital marketing
platforms (social media, email, newsletters, etc.)
Qualifications
● Currently a Junior or Senior in an undergraduate program (or graduate students)
majoring in a relevant field (film & video production, film studies, photography, etc.)
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Able to work 10-15 hours per week remotely and in person (must be based in NYC and
available to attend in-person events as needed with prior notice)
● Ability to work alongside a diverse team and simultaneously work toward many
initiatives at once
● Self-starter with the ability to efficiently manage multiple assignments with the
support of the Reel Sisters and African Voices teams
Background
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series is the first Academy Qualifying Film
Festival for narrative shorts devoted to women of color! The festival’s status is a game changer
for women’s access to Oscar consideration in the Live Action Shorts category. Reel Sisters’
Academy qualifying status gives women of color a path to the Oscar consideration list and
opens the door for all women directors. It is a milestone for women directors who rarely get
nominated by the Academy Awards for Oscar-worthy films.
Reel Sisters is the first Brooklyn-based festival devoted to supporting films produced, directed,
and written by women of color. Since 1997, the festival has been enriching the city with over
3,000 films by women of African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian, Indian, and Native American
descent. Reel Sisters is presented by African Voices magazine. You can learn more at
reelsisters.org. The Reel Sisters Film Festival is hosted by African Voices, a non-profit arts
organization, that fosters cultural understanding through art, literature, and film.
