Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the 2010 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 countless 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.” anuary 2005 issue of Liberty Magazine, an expatriate publication in the UAE.

BECOME A DIFF VOLUNTEER!

Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) now presents the opportunity for film enthusiasts to work as unpaid volunteers. A range of positions is open for potential volunteers across the various operational aspects of the event.

Film enthusiasts working as unpaid volunteers are essential for the smooth operation of any film festival, and 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?

By volunteering, you become an active partner in the operation of this event with a strong global appeal. It’s also an excellent opportunity to get involved with a 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:

A Certificate of Appreciation signed by the DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma
Access to DIFF screenings once your shift is over
Invitation to ‘The Volunteer Party’ at the end of the festival
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
Enjoy a fun and rewarding cultural event

WHAT SORTS OF THINGS MIGHT I BE DOING AS A DIFF VOLUNTEER?

There are a number of interesting opportunities available at DIFF.

Starting with office help prior to the event, assisting Guest Relations at the airport and hotels, ushering patrons at the various screening venues, helping to coordinate guest transportation, registering delegates and performing office duties at the Festival Headquarters at Dubai Media City and 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.

WHAT AREAS WOULD I WORK IN AS A VOLUNTEER?

Volunteers will be required in the following departments:

Human Resources & Volunteer Department
Headquarter & Office Administration
Theater Operations
Box Office & Customer Service
Registration & Accreditation
Guest Relations & Hospitality
Marketing & Sponsorship
Program Administration
Events & Logistic
Government Relations & Protocol

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 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.

Note: The Volunteers Office will confirm the orientation day to the selected volunteers.

ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

All volunteers who are signed up for shifts will be kept informed with 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.

HOW CAN I BECOME A DIFF VOLUNTEER?

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the volunteer application form.

For more information please contact us on DIFFvolunteer@tecom.ae

Volunteers Office land line: +971 4 367 6708