We are in search of an Artistic Director who can embrace the mission of both an international film festival and a local theater—a project manager with a firm sense of vision and aesthetic to direct our curatorial teams and projects. The Artistic Director is a leader in the organization and is responsible for managing the Fest’s programming, art, and music teams, and for engaging in cross-team collaboration across the organization, including Ragtag Cinema when appropriate. The right candidate will help shape an exciting phase of organizational growth and sustainability, enrich the interdisciplinary vision of the festival, champion cinematic experiences in the midst of a shifting distribution landscape, and challenge what it means to lead the industry of documentary film distribution. With cinema as a focal point, the Ragtag Film Society exists to captivate and engage communities in immersive arts experiences that explore assumptions and elicit shared joy, wonder, and introspection. Our flagship event is the True/False Film Fest that annually transforms Columbia, Missouri, into a nonfiction wonderland, while forging a supportive, celebratory refuge for filmmakers and amplifying the possibilities of what a festival can be.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR – TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST
Duties Include:
- As a member of the RFS leadership team, which comprises an Executive Director as well as other department directors, serve as a key player in the organization’s strategic growth and sustainability efforts;
- In collaboration with leadership, drive programmatic visioning and macro-level ideation;
- Facilitate opportunities between departments and projects within the organization; close collaboration with the communications and marketing, community partnerships, education, development, and sponsorship teams;
- Develop and maintain key industry relationships; nurture the bonds between T/F and the larger doc community;
- Represent the organization at festivals and other industry events, whether in person or virtually;
- Leadership and active participation in festival’s programming, including film, art, music, and cross-media curation;
- Provide strategic guidance of existing filmmaker development programs like the Rough Cut Retreat and Confluence;
- Viewing everything in serious consideration for the festival slate in collaboration with other programmers.
The ideal candidate will have the following skills and traits:
- At least 5 years of film curation experience (traditional or nontraditional), with an understanding of the current distribution and exhibition landscape;
- Enthusiasm for multi-disciplinary arts curation and ability to guide existing visual art and music curation teams;
- A passion for community engagement;
- Understanding of the True/False vibe and the Fest’s legacy of adventurous curation and ambitious programming;
- A clear passion for addressing structural issues in the independent film and art fields through programming and organizational leadership;
- A track record of engagement with the international community of nonfiction filmmakers, along with a deep desire to provide meaningful support for filmmakers;
- Ability to innovate and take creative risks;
- Confidence in aesthetic decision-making;
- Excellent writing skills and timely communication;
- Self-driven with a high attention to detail and persistent follow-through;
- Leadership skills and the ability to build and maintain a positive team dynamic;
- Ability to set and meet strategic priorities at a variety of budgetary tiers with a consideration to creative and human sustainability;
- Ambitions to make a mark at—and with—an established festival.
Compensation & Culture: This is a full time, year-round position with an annual salary in the range of $50-60k, plus benefits, with the opportunity for future growth. We offer a results- oriented work environment; our collaborative culture, combined with a paid time off program with flexible holiday time, supports innovation and time spent on other passion projects. The True/False Artistic Director does not need to be based full-time in Columbia, MO, but should be willing to spend a significant portion of the year here. We anticipate that the selected candidate will begin on a part-time basis (remote if needed) starting in Spring of 2026. For the right candidate, we will provide flexibility regarding time on the ground in Missouri. Should the AD be interested in relocating to Columbia, we will provide general assistance with relocation (from helping to secure temporary housing, to guiding the housing search).
How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter telling us why you should be our Artistic Director, a resume with at least 3 references, and at least three writing samples that are relevant to the role; writing samples may include: a 125-word film blurb, a letter of invitation (or rejection) to a film, a minimum 500-word piece that spotlights your critical perspective on nonfiction film, or introductory language for a screening series. Send materials to Andrea Luque Karam at: [email protected]. Applications will be accepted through December 1st, 2025. Ragtag Film Society is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are actively dedicated to hiring employees who reflect the communities we serve, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. RFS will provide accommodations in all aspects of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. Ragtag Film Society is dedicated to equal opportunity employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran or disabled status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.