On Arturo's Wall

I only did the job briefly but my advice would be go to your local film festival and volunteer, offer to pre-screen films, ie be one of the people who watch all the unsolicited entries and pass notes to the programmers. if the artistic director thinks you've got what it takes s/he will give you that break. Work as a film critic, establish your voice that way, network like hell with critics, other programmers and filmmakers, go to festivals, try and get work with galleries, offer to curate small programs or retrospectives at your local film society. I can only speak from personal experience but if you want to make money in this world don't become a programmer. emotionally its hugely satisfying when audiences respond positively to a film you've championed. You have to be very knowledgeable about what's happening in world cinema and constantly keep your eye on trends.