Building the next generation of cultural producers in Queens.
Queens World’s Festival Associate Training Program provides paid and for-credit residencies in partnership with Queensborough Community College, LaGuardia Community College, Hunter College, John Jay College, and Reel Works MediaMkrs. Associates are fully embedded in the organization, assisting the Festival Directors in programming, filmmaker communications, marketing, event production, and arts administration.
During festival season, Associates serve on the screening committee, evaluate submissions, and help shape the screening schedule. They contribute to outreach and press strategy and take active roles producing key events including Opening Night and Awards Night.
Each Associate produces an original Listening Tour Segment and is mentored through development, production, and post-production. Completed segments are archived on the Queens World website and at Queens Memory at Queens Public Library and may serve as the foundation of a director’s reel. Many Associates return as screening hosts, mentors, and program leaders.
Program at a Glance
- 120–150 hour paid or for-credit residencies
- Partnerships with QCC, LaGuardia CC, Hunter College, John Jay College, and Reel Works MediaMkrs
- Hands-on experience in film production, event production, and arts management
- Active role on festival screening committee
- Direct collaboration with filmmakers and Festival Directors
- Production leadership for major festival events
- Creation of an original Listening Tour short film
Professional mentorship through all phases of production - Final film archived at Queens World and Queens Memory at Queens Public Library
- Portfolio-ready finished piece for director’s reel
- Alumni return as screening hosts, mentors, and program leaders
