Screening the shorts films for the festival was a really cool experience. I got to see a lot of what is out there being made today. Getting to meet my fellow interns was nice, as we all had a shared interest in film. I like that we were mostly remote, with some in person opportunities too.
What I wish was different
Communication was really poor throughout the internship, but particularly the week of the in person festival. Festival itself was pretty disorganized and there was little direction on what we should be doing.
Advice
Be patient when waiting for answers to questions. Connect with your fellow interns.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Film Review Intern
February - July 2022 • Wellesley, MA
What I liked
It was easy to apply through handshake. I loved the ability to search for a new experience in a new industry without any scary risks or convoluted searching process. It was a very flexible working schedule.
What I wish was different
I wish the opportunity hadn't been remote! I also felt a slight lack of communication, so if you have something to communicate, make sure to highlight over meetings and send a follow up email.
Advice
Get read to be creative and regurgitate your thoughts. Don't be afraid to share your real opinion and disagree. Talking about your own experience can also support your ideas.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Programming associate
May - August 2021 • Providence, RI
What I liked
So much to enjoy! I was working with wonderful people to set up the festival in August and it was so much fun! I got to review different films for the event which helped my personal interest as a film maker.
What I wish was different
I wish that it could've been longer!
Advice
Take it if you get the chance, but keep in mind they have a few different areas to intern for!
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Community Outreach and Audience Development Intern
May - August 2021 • Providence, RI
What I liked
I enjoyed my summer internship at RIFF. It is a great entry position for students that are interested in being involved in the film industry. I really enjoyed being able to review the submissions and view a variety of different films. It was also a pleasure to get to know my colleagues; many of whom had similar interests in film as me.
What I wish was different
The internship being remote was both helpful and not helpful. It was helpful because being from a different state, I would not be able to participate in this internship in non-COVID times. It was not helpful because it was difficult to make meaningful connections with employees at the festival and my fellow interns.
Advice
The summer goes by really fast. While you are an intern, try to participate as much as you can and soak up as much information as you can.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Youth Jury Coordinator
June - August 2019 • Providence, RI
What I liked
It was a great experience! I learned a lot about the ins-and-outs about the art of curation and what it takes to run a film Festival. Made a lot of great connections with international filmmakers, actors, producers, agents, and writers. Definitely challenged me and pushed my communication and professional development skills to the next level!
What I wish was different
If the internship had been a paid opportunity, that would have been a huge plus. Also, working more hands-on and having more jurisdiction about the presentation of the festival at different venues would been an interesting opportunity to have.
Advice
Do not underestimate the opportunity! You would be surprised as to how much good networking and artistic wisdom one can learn from his opportunity if you put your whole heart and soul and full dedication towards it and building relationships.
