1. What inspired you to volunteer with SIFF, and how long have you been volunteering?
Ashley: I didn’t have much experience with anything other than typical Hollywood films prior to volunteering with SIFF, so the opportunity to both support and attend an international film festival was really exciting.
Carla: I wanted to connect with others in Seattle who love the communal theater experience and volunteer to help make it happen. I’ve been volunteering with SIFF since the 2000s!
Karen: I was a volunteer with the Denver Film Society in Colorado before Seattle and it was one of my favorite activities. When I moved here, I contacted SIFF about volunteering, as I wanted to stay involved in the film community. I served as a Front Desk volunteer until the pandemic. Now I’m back on duty after a long five years. I also do film intros during the Festival, which I love doing.
Sel: I’ve always wanted to. I signed up for a Shiftboard account so I could volunteer when I was 16, but it wasn’t until I moved down the street from the Egyptian at 23 that I was like f*ck it I’ll actually do it.
Wayne: For 20-plus years. SIFF is the ideal place to meet people, provides the perfect atmosphere for connecting with others and learning about different cultures, and the networking opportunities are limitless. SIFF also provides an avenue for me to use existing skills and knowledge while making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Wes: I was inspired to volunteer over 10 years ago when SIFF saved my beloved Uptown neighborhood theater.
2. Which team do you normally volunteer with?
Ashley: I volunteered with Theater Operations, and now I work Floor staff at Downtown.
Carla: I’m the swiss army knife of SIFF, meaning I’m on most teams because I enjoy a varied volunteer experience. If I had to pick a favorite or two, it would be Venue Crew Crowd Liaison and Guest Relations Driver. I love getting real-time impressions from festivalgoers in line. I hear the reviews and also get our visiting guests’ perspectives as a driver.
Karen: Front Desk and Festival Intros.
Sel: Venue crew! <3 I’ve also done some blurb writing projects.
Wayne: When I was younger, I preferred Special Events Production A-Team with set-up and tear-down followed by Special Events Check-In/Food Handlers and Street Team promotions. I moved on to Guest Relations as both a concierge and driver. Now I like to take a Venue Crew position especially on sunny days so I can be outside managing the lines and talking it up with everyone.
Wes: I normally volunteer with Guest Relations.
3. What’s one of your favorite SIFF memories?
Ashley: Having a mini reunion at the start of each Fest when you reconnect with people you’ve volunteered with previously. I love that both audience members and volunteers return year after year, and the variety of films being shown is top notch. Everyone involved with SIFF is so passionate about film, it’s a great energy to be around.
Carla: I have two favorite memories:
Jeff Goldblum answered my question during his 2003 Tribute, and, no, I don’t remember the question because I was caught up on how delightful he was and still is!
As a volunteer, I had an impactful conversation with a guest I was driving to the airport just after the news broke of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade passing away, which seemed to have affected so many around me at the time. It reflected how film, creativity, and real life collide during our Festival.
Karen: My first Festival here with all the energy and excitement. Not to mention great films.
Sel: Last year, SIFF’s 50th was birthday-themed, and my birthday landed on opening night, so when everyone sang happy birthday to SIFF before Thelma, my friends and I pretended it was for me.
Wayne: Working the Sunday Secrets at the Egyptian. Everyone would arrive early so we could prepare strawberry and whip cream covered waffles and sausage for breakfast.
It provided the perfect moment to gossip about the movies we all had seen and discuss the movies still to come. It was all about SIFF.
Wes: One of my favorite SIFF memories was seeing Black Dynamite at the Harvard Exit and Q&A with Michael Jai White and Scott Sanders.
4. Name one film you think everyone should see. Why?
Carla: Some Like It Hot always, every time! It’s the perfect combination of clever humor, one liners, a funny premise and conclusion, the magical Marilyn Monroe presence of vulnerability, sensuality and innocence. Plus, it gives us a rare glimpse of an evolved cultural worldview when the industry leaned traditional at that time.
Karen: American Fiction. It's such a creative take on an important issue.
Sel: RATS! because you will see why.
Wayne: The 1992 film A League of Their Own. I enjoy sports, and this movie was very inspirational, and the acting was excellent.
Wes: Memento. It’s an absolute masterpiece in movie-making and putting you in the main character's shoes.
5. What’s your favorite movie snack?
Ashley: Popcorn!
Carla: Popcorn, of course! It’s popcorn, then some butter and topped with popcorn.
Karen: Reese’s.
Sel: Snacking on edamame at the Broadway Centre Cinema in Salt Lake City during Sundance changed my life for the better, and SIFF should follow suit.
Wayne: Buttered Popcorn.
Wes: Chocopopcorn from SIFF Cinema Downtown.
6. Would you share some advice for someone who’s volunteering with SIFF for the first time?
Ashley: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Most people have volunteered before and can help you figure out your task. There can be a lot of downtime in between screenings so bring a book, or use this time to chat with fellow volunteers. Don’t forget to watch the movies! It can be tricky to schedule your shifts around the film schedule, but some of the best films SIFF screens are during Fest, so make it a priority to watch at least a few.
Carla: Just do it because you’ll surprise yourself with how easy it is to pick up shifts around your personal schedule, how many great people you’ll meet, and how your existing soft/hard skills translate to our different teams.
You’ll appreciate having witnessed the delight of our festivalgoers as they arrive and leave, having been moved by a great film/doc.
Karen: Find your interest and sign up for as many shifts as you can. You’ll meet great people and have a great time.
Sel: Don’t be afraid to look dumb, and try everything because any potential anxiety will go away once you’ve done everything. The quicker you’re chilled out, the quicker you make movie friends!
Wayne: Attempt to volunteer in different roles and don’t set limits. You are going to find there are a lot of positions to choose from.
Wes: Show up early, have fun, take pride in being part of a fantastic movie-loving community.
7. Anything else you’d like to add?
Carla: I’m so proud to still be a part of what I call “The Greatest Film Summer Camp for Adults” in Seattle ever.
Sel: This is propaganda to get edamame at SIFF.
Interested in volunteering with SIFF? Attend our Annual Volunteer Meeting April 13 to learn more about opportunities and benefits (like ticket vouchers and complimentary snacks and drinks!).
