Volunteer Pre-selector – SET Film Festival 2026

Description

SET Film Festival is seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to support the 2026 edition of the festival as film pre-selectors. Working closely with the curatorial team, pre-selectors will view and evaluate submitted films, contributing to early-stage selection conversations and helping to shape this year’s programme.

The role

Pre-selectors will watch and assess approximately 12 hours of submitted short films (under 30 minutes) using a shared viewing platform. While film viewing is completed flexibly/remotely, this role requires in-person attendance for programming meetings at our arts and social club, SET Social,  in Peckham to discuss the selection.

Responsibilities

• Watch and track 12 hours of assigned content, keeping detailed notes in line with festival guidelines.
• Complete first-round viewings by 22 June and second-round viewings by 20 July.
• Contributing clear, thoughtful programme notes or copy for selected films, to be completed by 30 August 2026
• Flag selected works for further discussion by the core curatorial team.
• Attend curatorial meetings at SET Social on Tuesday 23 June and Tuesday 21 July 2026.
• Supporting promotion of the festival where possible.
• Attending a debrief and evaluation session on 15 December 2026 (in person or remotely).

Person specification

• An interest in experimental, independent, or artist-led film practices.
• A careful and considered approach to viewing and evaluation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to commit approximately 36 hours in total across the cycle (June-December).
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and engage with diverse communities
• Based in London (or able to travel to Peckham) for key meeting dates.
• While desirable, no prior film programming and curatorial is required; we welcome those looking to develop their skills or gain insight into programming practices.

Volunteering benefits

All pre-selectors will be credited in each night’s printed festival programme and will receive a free pass to the 2026 festival.

At the end of the viewing process, pre-selectors have the opportunity to submit a screening proposal based on the films encountered during the pre-selection process. If selected, this work is paid at a fee of £150, with an additional £75 if you choose to host the screening or Q&A.

About SET Film Festival

SET Film Festival is an independent grassroots festival for contemporary, artist, and archival film, run by SET, a London-based arts organisation and registered charity. Founded in 2023 and curated by Amina Ali, Ellie Dobbs and Verity Monroe, the festival presents experimental practices and emerging voices outside conventional exhibition and distribution contexts.

Held each November at our arts and social club, SET Social, in Peckham, the festival unfolds across a month of weekly film nights. Screening programmes are shaped through an open call, bringing documentary, narrative, and artists’ moving-image practices into dialogue alongside international features. This year, the festival will run from 5 November to 3 December 2026.

Learn more at: https://setspace.uk/set-film-festival/

Main Duties

• Watch and track 12 hours of assigned content, keeping detailed notes in line with festival guidelines.
• Complete first-round viewings by 22 June and second-round viewings by 20 July.
• Contributing clear, thoughtful programme notes or copy for selected films, to be completed by 30 August 2026
• Flag selected works for further discussion by the core curatorial team.
• Attend curatorial meetings at SET Social on Tuesday 23 June and Tuesday 21 July 2026.
• Supporting promotion of the festival where possible.
• Attending a debrief and evaluation session on 15 December 2026 (in person or remotely).

What will the volunteering role offer the student and what will they learn while they are with you?

Students will work alongside SET’s curatorial team and an existing team of pre-selectors who have supported the programming of previous editions of the SET Film Festivals. Through this, students can expect to gain experience in festival programming and film curatorial practice.