Become a Screener or Judge

Screeners and Judges help the festival do what it was made for: decide which films to show! A Screener or Judge should be committed, willing to watch many films, and willing to judge the films on merit (not their own taste). They must be knowledgeable of all things film and be able to discuss them in length. Screeners will receive two tickets and Judges will recieve a pass for the Festival.

Screeners and Judges can come from any background and any part of the world! Our submissions are handled online, so all you need is an internet connection, commitment, and a love of film!

Screeners can judge on a month-to-month basis, one month only, or anything inbetween - just write in your availability in the application.

To apply: email lauren.bc@transstellarfilmfestival.com your resume and why you love your favorite film.

Responsibilities

Watch and judge 4 hours of film per month.

Contribute ratings and reviews for each film you watch

Ensure films meet submissions guidelines/criteria

Shorts must be watched all the way through. Features must be watched until at least the halfway point, preferably all the way through. If you cannot commit to this, please do not apply.

Extra Responsibilities for Judges:

Be a member of the Programming Committee

Solicitation: reach out to 3+ different filmmakers to submit

Attend 3 festival events during the submission season

Attend 2 festival events in the off-season

Decide the final programming and schedule

Choose Awards for selected films

Attend a monthly committee meeting (weekly meetings in July)

Qualifications

Knowledgeable about film, film history, and film theory, either through education or other experience

Reliable with deadlines

Ability to write about what you like/dislike about a film

Understand our mission and values

Preferred: a connection to the LGBTQ+ community

Time Commitment

4 hours of screening per month January - July

4-12 hours during Festival in Fall (optional)

1-2 hours for Annual Meeting in Fall (optional)

Confidentiality and Ethics

Judges may not submit to the Festival this year. You may not judge any film that you, your family, or your romantic partner had any part in creating. You have a responsibility to exclude yourself from watching any film you feel you cannot impartially judge.

To apply: email lauren.bc@transstellarfilmfestival.com your resume and why you love your favorite film. Interested in volunteering another way? Click here.