Discover the power of film to build community: volunteer with SIFF and help bring diverse stories to life, support emerging artists, and connect audiences through transformative cinematic experiences. Every year, volunteers contribute more than 6,000 service hours to SIFF’s mission through support of our cinemas and programs. SIFF volunteers are dedicated to supporting SIFF’s vision of a more empathetic, joyful, and connected world via film discovery.

On this page:

Opportunities   |   How To   |   Benefits   |   Employer Match

WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY

“It’s flexible, there are a ton of opportunities for a diverse range of skill sets, and everyone on the SIFF staff treats us like an equal part of making the SIFF experience a great one for filmmakers and movie goers alike.”

“I had a great time and found volunteering very accessible.”

“The best part of volunteering with SIFF was interacting with the community and meeting new people that share my love of film.”

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Our Volunteer Teams main categories:

• NFFTY 2026 is taking place March 26-29. Existing or new Volunteers interested in supporting The National Film Festival for Talented Youth may reach out to volunteers@siff.net to be added to the team.
• SIFF Cinema volunteers support SIFF cinemas with theater operations such as scanning, ushering, and venue clean-up.
• Special Events volunteers are the hospitality team for galas, parties and other events. This team provides front-of-house service for events, including set-up and teardown, bartending, and serving/bussing. This team is by application only.
• Guest Relations volunteers assist with various tasks to ensure a positive experience for festival or program guests.This team is by application only.
• SIFFFluencers support promotions and outreach. This essential marketing street team spreads the word and distributes materials to increase visibility for SIFF happenings.
• SIFF Universal Volunteers help with volunteer tasks that fall outside the categories above.

Please note: You must currently be 18+ to volunteer at SIFF.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Volunteering with SIFF is easy!

1. Review the SIFF Volunteer Handbook (PDF).
2. Register for an account on our volunteer management site, Shiftboard.
3. Sign up for shifts in Shiftboard. You can join specific teams, which will allow you to browse and claim available volunteer opportunities and get the latest volunteer news and updates, right to your inbox. Note that some teams are only active around May’s festival, and some teams are by application only. 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.

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! Make sure you are subscribed to emails from Shiftboard in your Shiftboard account to receive these invitations.

VOUCHERS
As a volunteer benefit, SIFF volunteers receive vouchers that are redeemable for tickets and passes to screenings, as well as SIFF memberships. For every four hours of service, a volunteer receives one voucher that can be redeemed for one regularly priced ticket. For full volunteer benefit information, please see the Volunteer Guide (PDF).

REDEEM VOUCHERS FOR 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.

REDEEM VOUCHERS FOR PASSES
Whether you volunteer year round, or during the Festival, SIFF volunteers can redeem unexpired vouchers for passes to enjoy SIFF programming even more!

Redemption must be completed in person at the SIFF Film Center. If you have questions about exchanging vouchers for passes, please contact boxoffice@siff.net.

EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS

Did you know, thousands of companies provide incentives for employees to volunteer with organizations like SIFF. These incentives might include volunteer paid time off or charitable contributions that match your volunteer hours!

Use the search bar tool below to see if your employer provides volunteer grants or programs and how to access the forms, guidelines, and anything you need to participate. Double the impact of your invaluable time!