Thank you for your interest in volunteering with SIFF! Our volunteers are a help year-round and during the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). As a volunteer, you will support SIFF's Mission, engage with fellow film-lovers and, of course, earn access to great films! Whether you're new to SIFF or a seasoned attendee, anyone over the age of 16 years old is welcome to register to volunteer.

On this page:
How to Volunteer
Festival Volunteer Opportunities
Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities
SIFF’s eLearning Library
Volunteer Appreciation

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Download Volunteer Guide

Volunteering with SIFF is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Complete the brief Volunteer Orientation e-learning course that will provide you with essential knowledge to be successful as a SIFF volunteer.
2. Register for an account on our volunteer management site, Shiftboard. You can browse and claim available volunteer opportunities and get the latest volunteer news and updates, right to your inbox. If you have volunteered with SIFF in the past, and already have a SIFF Shiftboard account, you do not need to re-register, but please take a moment to review and update your contact information.
3. Submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination. To complete the onboarding process, please complete this form and upload a photocopy or screenshot of your vaccination records, or email your records to volunteers@siff.net.

FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

You can now apply for the 2024 Film Festival with opportunities to help within marketing, events, guest relations, or theater operations.

Our annual volunteer meeting will be on Sunday, April 7th 2024, at 10:00 am at  SIFF Cinema Downtown (2100 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121). Learn about volunteer opportunities, meet SIFF staff, and connect with SIFF volunteers. It is not required to attend but we would love to meet you and talk about the wonderful things ahead!

Volunteer Meeting - RSVP

Roles

SIFF offers festival volunteer roles in a variety of areas. 

Volunteers can complete a minimum of 1 shift to earn tickets, swag, and other perks. 

Theater Operations

Venue Crew: You are the face of the festival and create a welcoming experience for guests in theaters. Roles include ushering, ticket scanning, line management, and distributing ballots.

House Coordinator: This is a leadership role available during the Festival, and we ask you to complete a minimum of 20 hours to best support theater operations. You are overseeing the venue crew volunteers at theaters, and working with the House Manager to prepare for screening load-in and load-outs. 

Ballot Counters: This group of volunteers is detail oriented and an important part of making sure our audience has its voice heard. Duties include organizing and inventorying ballots, tallying up votes, and inputting write-in voting results. You may be asked to aid with other administrative tasks to support the Festival. 

Universal: This dynamic group of volunteers is willing to try new things! They float around to different festival teams and help where needed. 

Events Team

Special Events: Our service team for galas, parties and other events surrounding the festival. This team provides front-of-house service for events, including set-up and teardown, guest check-in, bartending, and serving/bussing. 

Customer Relations

Guest Relations: Provides interpreter, concierge, and transport for our filmmakers, press, and other guests. You are providing excellent, hospitable service to all festival guests. 

Street Team: Handles promotions and outreach. This essential team spreads the word and distributes materials to increase visibility for the festival, and connect with film lovers and future volunteers.

YEAR-ROUND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• CINEMA USHERS
  • These volunteers support theater operations staff at our three SIFF Cinemas by greeting patrons, scanning tickets and more.
• SPECIAL EVENTS
  • Support SIFF during various events with setup, food & beverage service, and check-in.
• MARKETING & PROMOTIONS
  • Volunteers provide photo and videography services, and spread the word about SIFF happenings by distributing flyers and posters at businesses and community events.

SIFF'S E-LEARNING LIBRARY

Volunteers can access how-to guides, review policies, and complete prerequisite training virtually by accessing SIFF's eLearning Library!

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

SIFF provides a variety of wonderful perks to volunteers. The more service hours you collect, the more benefits you can earn.

On Shift Perks at Theaters

During your volunteer shift at a theater, you are eligible to enjoy complimentary fountain drinks, coffee, and popcorn. 

APPRECIATION EVENTS

SIFF Volunteers receive exclusive invitations to special film screenings and events throughout the year!

VOUCHERS

SIFF volunteers receive vouchers that are redeemable during the Seattle International Film Festival, for SIFF Cinema, or SIFF membership. 

For every two hours of service, volunteers receive one voucher for a film screening. One voucher can be redeemed for one regularly priced ticket. Vouchers are transferable to friends or family, but the sale of vouchers is strictly prohibited. Some programs and films prohibit the use of vouchers; please check listings. For full volunteer benefit information, please see the Volunteer Guide (PDF).

VOUCHERS TO SIFF MEMBERSHIP

In addition to redeeming vouchers for tickets, volunteers may redeem six volunteer vouchers for a SIFF Membership. A SIFF Membership grants you discounts on tickets and passes, reciprocal benefits at several local organizations, and invitations to member-only events and screenings. You can fill out the Vouchers for Membership Form, and learn more about the benefits of a SIFF membership on our Membership page.

VOUCHERS FOR CINEMA PASS OR FESTIVAL PASS REDEMPTION

Whether you volunteer year round, or during the Festival, SIFF volunteers can redeem unexpired vouchers for Festival Film Passes, or Annual Cinema Passes.

30 year round volunteer vouchers can be redeemed for a Festival pass. 

20 Festival volunteer vouchers can be redeemed for an Annual Cinema pass.