RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (RIFF):
2026 EDUCATIONAL INTERNSHIPS: SUMMER PROGRAM

Dates: June 8 through September 28

The 15th annual Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) is an international 6-day festival held in Richmond, VA. One of the largest international competitive festivals in the country, RIFF brings more than 165+ film premieres plus a variety of film and music industry events and community engagement opportunities. An additional mission of the festival is to develop the film and music industries across the state of Virginia. Festival week also includes screenwriting & film/music panels, Q&As, live music showcases, mixers, the FLOW Creative Conference, the Global Visionary Summit, and the annual red-carpet awards, all of which bring the spirit of Hollywood to the Commonwealth.

With the aim of hosting top award-winning filmmakers as well as developing the industry’s next up-and-coming talent, RIFF is a sought out festival for artists across the globe and works year-round with its partners to further develop Virginia.

Educational Internships: RIFF offers an intensive educational program each summer. The position is ideal for those looking to develop skills in the following areas: communications, film, music, business, marketing, social media, journalism, graphic design, event planning, festival organizing, public relations, or related communications field. The educational internship is unpaid and may be used for school credit with participating schools or simply for industry learning and resume experience. For those who excel there may be future opportunities to grow with the company.

Qualifications: Candidate should have basic education in one or more of the areas mentioned above. They should be well organized, dependable, work well in a team setting, and be eager to learn the ins and outs of the industry.

Opportunities: Engaging in general festival planning, administrative, social media, outreach, marketing, design, community engagement, film and music programming, and general event production. Interns get a close up, behind the scenes experience at various aspects of business and what it takes to produce an international film and music festival.

Hour & Program Length: Approximately 15 hours commitment per week for 15 weeks. For the current openings, candidates must be available to come in person to the Richmond area office two 1⁄2 days per week. Start/End Date: Begins June 8 and goes through September 28 (1- 2 weeks off during the summer program for student’s plans or
vacation). Participants who are accepted will complete their final week of the program in person at the festival, so it is important that candidates have good flexibility the week of Sep 22-27. Weekly hours are split between in person office time and remote projects from home.

How to apply: Send a resume and cover letter to staff@rvafilmfestival.com RIFF usually has a waitlist, so send materials early to receive priority consideration. If a qualifying candidate, we will contact you to set up an interview. We look forward to considering you for the program.

For more information about RIFF, visit www.RVAFILMFESTIVAL.com