Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the 2008 Dubai International Film Festival!
“You may have seen the red carpets, the premieres, not to mention the celebrities, but did you take notice of the countless people dressed in black, rushing around in the background? Probably not! From UAE National women who worked the press registration to the myriad others who worked the press conferences and screenings, all were volunteers who clocked in long hours and did so with a smile. They were on call for the festival and carried out their tasks with the utmost professionalism and friendliness.” January 2005 issue of Liberty Magazine, an expatriate publication in the UAE.
BECOME A DIFF VOLUNTEER!
Film enthusiasts working as unpaid volunteers are essential for the smooth operation of any film festival, and the DIFF is no exception. DIFF will again depend on the skills of a dedicated team of volunteers to fill various positions both prior to and during the festival.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to get involved with this cultural event. In addition to accessing festival screenings and other benefits listed below, DIFF volunteers gain valuable and practical event experience in a friendly and high-energy environment. Volunteers who complete their obligation to DIFF are entitled to:
- Access to DIFF screenings and other events
- A Certificate of Appreciation signed by the DIFF Chairman, Abdulhamid Juma
- Invitation to an exclusive post-festival staff party
- A DIFF uniform to wear while on duty
- A wonderful networking opportunity to meet new people and make friends with other film-lovers and those who appreciate cultural events
- Lots of fun!
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS MIGHT I BE DOING AS A VOLUNTEER FOR DIFF?
There are a number of interesting volunteer opportunities available at DIFF. Enthusiastic people are needed to help out in the offices prior to the event, to assist with Guest Relations at the airport and host hotels, to usher patrons at the various screening venues, to help coordinate guest transportation, to register delegates, and to perform office duties at the Festival Headquarters at Dubai Media City and at the Madinat Jumeirah. Some of the more important positions require a full-time commitment and working everyday, while others can be done on a more casual part-time basis. Details will be provided at the DIFF Volunteer Orientation Meeting to be held in early November.
HOW CAN I BECOME A VOLUNTEER FOR DIFF?
If you are interested in volunteering for the 2008 DIFF, check back at the beginning of September when our on-line application form will be available.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS A VOLUNTEER?
You must be over the age of 15 and speak English well. Knowledge of other languages, especially Arabic, is highly valued. You will be expected to arrive on time, follow instructions from your supervisor, and to remain dedicated to your responsibilities until the end of the agreed shift of duty. Volunteers working at theatres will not have the opportunity to watch films while on duty. Being a very visible and “frontline” part of the DIFF team, volunteers must behave in a highly professional manner at all times while on duty, especially in the presence of guests, filmmakers, and film talent.
WHAT IS THE DIFF VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION MEETING?
The DIFF Orientation Meeting is the occasion when you sign up for the exact volunteer shifts that you will be working. You will be provided with all the important information about volunteering for DIFF and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and obtain all the information you need. Those applicants deemed suitable for volunteering for DIFF will be notified by e-mail regarding the precise time and location for the DIFF Orientation Meeting.
ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
All volunteers who are signed up for shifts will be kept informed by occasional e-mails about everything else they need to know, such as training and how to receive and access their benefits.
Thanks again for your interest in volunteering. Everyone involved with the festival appreciates the considerable contributions made by our many volunteers and understands that we need them to ensure that this year’s DIFF is an even bigger success than the last one.
