Film Reviewer:

Do you love film and are willing to learn about the technical aspects of critiquing it?
Are you able to express a consistent critical voice?
Can you see each movie with a critical eye and a strong aesthetic sensibility?
Are you able to share your opinions and critiques in writing?
Are you willing to laugh and to weep — to be genuinely moved by films and not be distracted by literal or figurative notetaking?
Do you have a knowledge of your biases and how to see around them? (i.e.: you may not love anime movies, but you can appreciate the genius of Princess Mononoke).
Are you passionate about our mandate (making an age-positive culture shift)?


This position sees the volunteer work independently to watch and review films using the grading rubric the Festival provides. This work can be done from the comfort of your home. You need an internet connection and a computer.



Responsibilities include:

Attending the Film Reviewing Training that will take place in late September
Watching ALL submissions assigned by the Lead Programmer and documenting comments/feedback in the format provided
Providing feedback on films that should be in contention for the festival’s film awards
The time commitment required for a Film Reviewer will be approximately 40hrs (mostly watching films at home plus 1 Film Reviewing training meeting) between September 2024 – February 2025.


Skills required:

Critical thinking
Excellent written communication skills
Ability to work independently
Knowledge of filmmaking would be an asset but not required


Perks of this volunteer position:

1 complimentary screening ticket for every 5 hours of volunteering (please note that based on estimated time commitment outlined above, a Film Reviewer would receive 8 complimentary tickets to the festival screenings)
A festival t-shirt
To see films that you might never see anywhere else
Gain a deeper understanding of filmmaking and film festivals


Film Researcher:

Do you like the thrill of the hunt?
Do you enjoy researching information on the internet?
Are you good at prospecting information from odd places on the internet?
Do you have experience with Google Drive, IMDb Pro and Cinando, Facebook, Instagram, Word, Excel and email?
Are you comfortable working within multiple computer programs at the same time?
Are you good at working independently?
Do you enjoy meeting deadlines?
Are you willing to learn about the film industry regarding communicating with filmmakers and distributors as a festival ambassador?
Are you comfortable representing the festival via email?


This position sees the volunteer work mostly independently to research films and communicate with filmmakers and distributors via email. This work can be done from the comfort of your home. You need an internet connection and a computer.


The Lead Programmer looks for films year-round and creates an Excel spreadsheet with the names of the films and a link to some information or a trailer. It is the researchers’ goal to find contact information for these films, preferably an email address. Once an email address has been located, the researcher sends communications on behalf of the festival (scripted copy provided) asking to have the film submitted for consideration.


Responsibilities include:

Researching and contacting filmmakers and distributors about submitting film to the festival
Updating an Excel spreadsheet with information
Being a brand ambassador for the festival
Watching select screeners assigned by the Lead Programmer and documenting comments/feedback in the format provided.
The time commitment required for a Film Researcher will be approximately 60hrs (including 1 Film Reviewing training meeting) between September 2024 – February 2022.


Skills required:

Internet research skills
Excellent written communication skills
Experience or willingness to learn Google Drive, IMDb Pro and Cinando, Excel, Instagram and Facebook
Critical thinking


Perks of this volunteer position:

1 complimentary festival pass for the 2025 festival
A festival t-shirt
Ability to watch and rate any “screeners” submitted
Gain a deeper understanding of film industry and film festivals