Submissions for the 2026 Social Justice Film Festival are now closed
Upcoming Events
Grasping at the Roots
Presented by Climate Justice Alliance Black Caucus
Date: Thursday, November 20
Time: Doors open 6:30 pm
Location: Pacific Tower, 1200 12th Ave. S - Panoramic Room 8th Floor
Cost: Free
Last year, the Climate Justice Alliance Black Caucus filmed its first documentary, highlighting the goals, challenges, and victories of several CJA member organizations across four different cities as they adapt to the political, economic, and ecological circumstances surrounding the issue of climate change.
Join us on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, for a screening of Grasping at the Roots, a love letter to the climate justice movement. A panel discussion featuring members from the environmental justice community will follow the documentary screening.
The event is free and open to everyone.
RSVP appreciated.
Student Showcase Festival
Date: Saturday, December 13th
Time: Doors open 1:00 pm
Location: Pacific Tower, 1200 12th Ave. S - Panoramic Room 8th Floor
Cost: Free
We are excited to finally gather the students of our social justice filmmaking courses over the last 2 years to bring you the first-ever Student Showcase Festival!
This will be a celebration of all of our past and current social justice production students and the work they have produced for nonprofits they work with and for other individuals. For most of our student filmmakers, this is the first film they’ve ever created!
This event is free and open to the public! We also encourage anyone who has considered taking our course to come check out the possibilities when you join us to produce your own film!
Invite your friends, family, and community members to this special event!
The event is free and open to everyone.
RSVP appreciated.
Job and Volunteer Opportunities
Artistic Director
OVERVIEW
The Social Justice Film Festival and Institute (SJFF/SJFI) is seeking a visionary and experienced artistic director and film programmer to establish the creative vision, curatorial, and strategic direction for all aspects of the organization’s year-round programming as it begins its 14th year. Reporting to the executive director, the artistic director will lead the programming team and oversee the annual process of developing and presenting innovative, year-round curated and guest-curated film series, special events, educational workshops, and guide the growth of the critically acclaimed 4-day Social Justice Film Festival. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge and passion for social justice films, filmmaking, the independent film movement, and the networks that support these areas. The candidate should be passionate about equity, collective action, and community coalition-building as key to creating and presenting film and media arts. They must demonstrate excellent management skills and a proven ability to garner support for the organization’s artistic goals and priorities.
This is currently a PART-TIME POSITION - 20 hours per week.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The candidate for this position must be self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively with a larger team. All SJFI team members wear multiple hats and are comfortable working in a passionate, collaborative environment that fosters transparent decision-making and visioning.
ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP
Lead strategic artistic planning by collaborating with the SJFI team to define artistic direction, priorities, and goals.
Build and maintain relationships with SJFI’s diverse stakeholders, including peer organizations, community partners, educational institutions, and filmmakers.
Foster a safe, equitable, accessible, collaborative, and creative work environment by implementing SJFI’s racial and social equity and accessibility practices, initiatives, and protocols across all programs.
PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGY
Oversee the creative development, organization, and production of programs in three main areas: SJFI film screenings, community partner programs, and related educational initiatives.
For the annual Social Justice Film Festival, oversee submissions, communicate with filmmakers, update online festival listings, and coordinate onsite production of screenings, workshops, filmmaker gatherings, and Q&As.
Responsible for the management and maintenance of all aspects of Film Freeway and Eventive.
Oversee all technical aspects of the SJFI film screenings, including projection, camera, and audio equipment use.
EQUITY & INCLUSION
Participate in an organizational culture that promotes transparency, collaboration, and racial equity and social justice policies across the organization.
Prioritize opportunities for filmmakers, students, and community members from historically underserved or under-resourced communities.
Recognize the potential in team members, interns, volunteers, and collaborators, and promote growth opportunities where appropriate.
QUALITIES, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE
Proven success in programming for film, showing a strong understanding of production practices, industry trends, artist engagement, and audience behaviors.
Experience with nonprofit organizations offering multiple programs to serve diverse audiences in film, arts, and/or media.
Proven ability to problem-solve effectively, build consensus, and resolve conflicts.
Strong organizational and time management skills, experienced in managing multiple deadlines, and highly self-motivated.
Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
Experience with Google Workstation, Film Freeway, and Eventive.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS
This is a part-time position, working 20 hours per week with an annual salary of $30,000, reporting to the executive director. The selected candidate will also receive an ORCA pass for transportation, as well as access to filmmaking equipment, computers, and workshops.
Candidates should be prepared to provide references and must pass a Washington State background check.
TO APPLY:
Please send your resume and cover letter to the executive director at sam@socialjusticefilminstitute.org using the subject line: Artistic Director at SJFI.
The Social Justice Film Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment policies and programs at the Social Justice Film Institute are nondiscriminatory with respect to race, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. We strongly encourage all candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, low-income, or LGBTQ+ to apply.
The application deadline is December 31, 2025.
Please note: All applications must be submitted by email. Applications without a cover letter or statement of interest will be ignored.
For more information about the Social Justice Film Institute, visit https://www.socialjusticefilmfestival.org.
Join the Social Justice Film Festival and Institute’s Board of Directors
The Social Justice Film Festival and Institute is looking for members to join our board of directors! We mainly seek individuals with financial expertise, a strong understanding of social justice issues, HR experience, and fundraising skills. Still, we warmly welcome anyone, regardless of background, who is passionate about our mission and work. If this sounds like you, consider joining us!
BOARD SERVICE AT SJFI
Board members are dedicated volunteers who share a passion for the Social Justice Film Festival and Institute’s mission and strategic goals. We want our board members to enjoy their volunteer experience and feel valued for their commitment. We aim to foster a collaborative and transparent culture that supports growth and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to organize meetings and events that are sincere, meaningful, and make good use of your time and expertise.
Currently, we are prioritizing applicants with:
Finance and accounting expertise
Fundraising strategies and/or grant writing
Nonprofit governance
EXPECTATION OF BOARD MEMBERS
The primary role of the board is to provide the leadership and strategic direction needed to ensure the Social Justice Film Institute is making a difference in promoting social change in Seattle and beyond. To fulfill this purpose, board members are expected to:
Attend Board Meetings
The board meets six times a year from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the 11th-floor conference room of the Pacific Tower building in downtown Seattle. Our board meetings are held in person. SJFI board members are encouraged to share their ideas during meetings and to contribute agenda items for the board's consideration. Attendance at board meetings is essential to being an active board member.
Attend Strategic Planning Meetings
Members will make all reasonable efforts to attend strategic planning sessions.
Fundraise
Provide volunteer support at our annual fundraising event.
Participate in SJFI fundraising/sponsorship strategies for the annual Social Justice Film Festival.
Engage with Donors
Thanking and engaging with donors is one of the most critical functions of board membership.
Manage a small portfolio of SJFI donors (ranging from 5 – 20 people) to ensure they receive excellent communication, invitations to program events, and feel appreciated.
Support Program Events
Participate in Giving Tuesday or one other fundraising event each year.
Volunteer time at a special event each year, such as the Social Justice Film Festival.
Conduct a site visit to at least one program/community partner per year.
Advocate for Social Justice Film Institute
SJFI relies on board members to provide contacts and introductions to potential donors, partners, and resources. Using their circle of influence, board members are vital to link SJFI with the community we serve.
Recruit New Board Members
Identify prospective board members, educate them about SJFI, assess their interest, and recommend them for candidacy.
All interested individuals, including people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or intersex, are particularly urged to apply. SJFI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SJFI is committed to promoting an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices for its community partners, board, and team members.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should email Sam Hampton, PhD, Executive Director, at sam@socialjusticefilminstitute.org. Please include 'Board Member' and your full name in the subject line.
Listen to our podcast series and learn about social justice films and the people behind them.
RADICAL FILMS is the Social Justice Film Institute podcast featuring alumni and friends of the Social Justice Film Festival discussing all things related to social justice storytelling. The Social Justice Film podcast was created to explore and share stories about the intersection of social justice and film.