Visions du Réel – International Film Festival Nyon, one of Europe’s leading film festivals, is recruiting a:
Artistic Director (90–100%), starting 1 August 2026 or by agreement
The Visions du Réel Festival
Since 1969, Visions du Réel has been presenting audacious and singular works, imbued with past, present or future realities.Over ten days, every month of April, the Festival turns Nyon into a focal point at which several generations of filmmakers and artists from all over the world find a loyal and curious audience on a voyage of discovery. Recognised globally as one of the major festivals dedicated to non-fiction filmmaking, it presents a majority of films as world or international premieres, and constitutes an essential platform for creation for the thousands of film professionals who meet there every year.
We offer
- A stimulating role in a dynamic environment, within a highly motivated team;
- Meaningful and recognised work, combining high artistic quality with social relevance;
- A high-performing organisation with clear values and a positive working atmosphere.
Key responsibilities
As Co-Director of the Festival, the Artistic Director:
- Provides a clear, forward-looking vision for documentary film, including new formats;
- Works alongside the Administrative Director and in close collaboration with the Foundation Board to ensure transparent operations in line with the Festival’s vision;
- Develops, integrates and implements the Festival’s artistic and audience strategy, including programming, debates, VdR–Industry and cultural outreach; as well as involved in the follow-up of the human ressources and the related budget
- Leads the programming department and the Industry section (including selection processes), whilst demonstrating a keen interest in human resources management and sound budget administration;
- Develops and implements partnerships with other Swiss and international institutions and festivals;
- Maintains a national and international network, ensuring that the Festival retains its leading position;
- Represents and promotes the Festival and ensures its visibility, in cooperation with the Foundation Board;
- Contributes to securing financial support and implementing marketing strategies aimed at increasing the budget.
Profile
- You have in-depth knowledge of documentary cinema and the film industry in general, as well as a strong international network;
- You have considerable experience in managing a cultural or artistic institution or in implementing large-scale artistic projects;
- Your integrative approach to leadership combines a clear personal stance with the values of inclusion, respect and honesty;
- You are creative, pragmatic and ambitious, and have demonstrated your ability to develop innovative projects;
- You have the charisma needed to create a stimulating environment both within the institution and with the outside world, whilst being a good team player;
- You are fluent in French, German and English.
Place of work : Nyon and remote working possible
Application deadline : 10 May 2026
Start date : 1 August 2026 or to be agreed
If you are interested in this role, please send your complete application : a CV, a cover letter or video, along with an initial concept (maximum 2–3 pages) outlining your ideas for the Festival, as a complete digital file by 10 May 2026 at the latest, for the attention of Philippe Bischof, to newdirector@visionsdureel.ch.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Philippe Bischof by email at pbischof@visionsdureel.ch.