Volunteer FAQ
When do I need to apply by if I want to volunteer?
I’ve submitted my volunteer application – what happens next?
When will I know if my application is successful?
What if my availability changes before the Festival starts?
What type of jobs will I be doing as a volunteer?
What are the basic requirements to be a MIFF volunteer?
Am I qualified to be a MIFF volunteer?
How long is each volunteer shift?
What should I wear when I’m volunteering?
Will I get to watch films while I’m volunteering?
Will MIFF reimburse my expenses?
What happens at the volunteer briefing? Do I really have to attend?
What are the benefits of being a MIFF volunteer?
When do I need to apply by if I want to volunteer?
Applications to volunteer at MIFF 2012 will open prior to the Festival.
I’ve submitted my volunteer application – what happens next?
You’ll receive an email confirming that your application is in the system, and listing the shifts you indicated you were available for.
This does not mean you have been successfully chosen as a MIFF volunteer – it simply confirms that your application has been received.
When will I know if my application is successful?
MIFF will be in contact mid-June to inform you if we would like you to be a volunteer in 2012.
Please be aware we have hundreds of applications each year – more than the positions we have to fill. If you are unsuccessful, please do not be discouraged from applying again in 2013.
What if my availability changes before the Festival starts?
The Volunteer Coordinator will email the roster to all successful applicants in late June.
If you need to make any changes (due to work, study, travel commitments, etc.) you can request this in correspondence with the Volunteer Coordinator after you receive your roster
What type of jobs will I be doing as a volunteer?
Every year we need more than 200 volunteers to work at the Festival screening venues in the CBD – as ushers, ticket checkers, crowd controllers and the like. There will also be a few positions available carrying out market research and helping out with special events.
MIFF is a not-for-profit organisation, and without the assistance of volunteers we would not be able to hold such a large festival, showing so many incredible films.
I’m interested in volunteering prior to the Festival – are there any opportunities and how do I apply?
MIFF often needs extra help in the office leading up to the start of the Festival, and sometimes during and after the Festival too! If you are interested in working in the MIFF office and have relevant office experience please email your CV to venues@miff.com.au.
What are the basic requirements to be a MIFF volunteer?
As an indication, volunteers for MIFF 2011 were required to volunteer their time and skills for 8 shifts across the 17 day festival. You will be rostered according to your availabilities.
Am I qualified to be a MIFF volunteer?
Volunteering at MIFF requires:
- fluency in English
- customer service skills
- a friendly and professional manner
- punctuality
- a willingness to follow directions and work in a team
- a commitment to making the Festival a fantastic experience for the public, festival guests and staff
How long is each volunteer shift?
The average shift is approximately four to five hours long. The length of the shifts will depend on a few things, including the tasks and duties of the different volunteer positions, the screening schedule, the audience numbers for different sessions and so on.
What should I wear when I’m volunteering?
You will receive a MIFF volunteer T-Shirt to wear when you’re working – this is your uniform and so it is mandatory to wear it at all times during your volunteer shifts. We do ask that you wear this only while you’re on duty, not when you’re attending the festival as a patron. This is simply to avoid confusion, and your T-shirt can be worn as much as you like socially after the festival.
Other than your volunteer T-Shirt, you should be neat and tidy with comfortable enclosed-toe shoes. You may be outside for a while too, so please bring something warm to wear underneath your T-shirt.
Will I get to watch films while I’m volunteering?
It will depend on what your usher position is. If you’re inside the cinema helping patrons to their seats, you will be able to watch the film, but only after all latecomers have been admitted; it is extremely important that all audience members are helped to find seats in a safe and calm manner.
If you arrive to your shift early, you can ask your Front of House Manager if you can be inside the cinema for a film you really want to see during your shift. However it's not guaranteed that this will always be possible – your primary role on shift is to usher, not to view a film, so looking after MIFF patrons must be a priority.
Will MIFF reimburse my expenses?
No. All volunteers must arrange their own travel and meals.
What happens at the volunteer briefing? Do I really have to attend?
Unfortunately, if you can’t come to the briefing it will not be possible for you to volunteer. Vital information and training will happen on this day.
What are the benefits of being a MIFF volunteer?
- Each volunteer will receive 4 single session admit one passes on the training day, then at the end of each shift you attend you will receive a further single session admit one pass.
This is a different system from previous years and has been changed due to feedback on why and how previous volunteers used their passes. Single session admit ones can be used to attend films with friends or family, rather than being limited to attending films by yourself or with a paying friend. This also means that if you work more than the required 8 shifts, you get more admit one passes and you have the chance to see more films. - You get the chance to see films during your shifts.
- Discounts at MIFF venues and a ticket to a fabulous end-of-Festival thank you party.
- You’ll have the chance to meet lots of people, make new friends and learn new skills.
- If you’re interested in working in the industry, it’s also a fantastic way to be a part of a world-renowned festival. It’s a great way to get a foot in the door; many people who currently work with MIFF started as volunteers.