FAQ
Q. Is the film festival run as a non-profit or for-profit endeavor?
A. The Santa Rosa International Film Festival (a 26th Wine Country Film Festival event) is organized as a 501c3 non-profit organization, the Society for the Advancement of the Arts and Film.
Like almost every other arts organization and event, the festival relies on the combined efforts of a small year-round team and a large number of amazing volunteers with the production of each year’s event.
Q. What is the time commitment required of volunteers?
A. Our volunteer organization is structured in teams. Managers of various teams are essentially volunteering full-time throughout the festival, and also put in a significant amount of time and effort in the weeks leading up to each year’s festival. Most volunteers work in shifts that last from 4 – 6 hours. The minimum time commitment involves working two days / two shifts.
Q. What are the benefits of volunteering for the Film Festival?
A. As a film festival volunteer, you are getting in on the ground floor creating an incredible cultural experience for Santa Rosa. On top of the great experience and feeling of community and accomplishment, all volunteers will also receive a fabulous SRIFF T-Shirt, as well as vouchers to see movies.
Q. Are all positions strictly volunteer, or are there any that offer stipends or compensation of any sort?
A. Most of the positions are strictly volunteer, though all of our volunteers receive a variety of benefits and perks.. The Managers that require significantly more time and responsibility do include modest stipends. There are also a few seasonal positions that start one to two months prior to the film festival; these also include modest stipends to help cover living expenses.
Q. I live outside of Sonoma County. Is lodging provided for volunteers who travel in to work with the festival?
A. We are always on the lookout for outstanding and experienced festival volunteers. While most of our volunteer corps will come from Sonoma County (where volunteers help put on a wide variety of outstanding events each year), seasoned film festival volunteers from other festivals bring much-valued expertise. We will do our best to find accommodations for you!
Q. May I volunteer for more than one team and/or function?
A. We ask our volunteers to focus their efforts on one team/function. This helps build expertise from year to year and team spirit and cohesiveness at each year’s festival, all of which greatly enhance the guest and volunteer experience.
Q. Are there any required meetings or training sessions involved?
A. Yes. Managers will have a handful of meetings with Festival Staff; and all volunteers will attend at least one thorough training session with their managers.
All volunteers are encouraged to attend the Closing Night Party at La Rosa Restaurant on Courtyard Square in downtown Santa Rosa September 20.
Q. Do I get to see any of the movies?
A. Yes. Working at one of the theater venues is the best way to catch films during the festival, as these volunteers are able to watch the movies once their duties are complete and if seats or standing room are available. For all volunteers, vouchers are provided (one for each 4-6 hour shift) that enable volunteers to get into films from the RUSH LINE (without having to pay) at times when they are not volunteering.
Q. Are there any age restrictions on volunteering?
A. The volunteer positions that involve serving of wine or other alcohol require volunteers to be at least 21 years of age. We do encourage high school and college students to volunteer, and many of the positions are appropriate for anyone 16 years or older. Having your own drivers license and access to transportation is a big plus.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have about volunteering. Email us: wcff@wcff.us