It’s that time again. Applications for volunteering at this year’s festival are now open!

This year’s festival will take place from May 4th - May 8th. The festival is continuing to grow and we’re looking forward to having new and returning volunteers assist in the ever changing landscape of the festival.

If you've never volunteered with the Film Fest before, click here.

If you're a returning volunteer, click here.

The deadline to submit your volunteer application is March 31st.

Because we cannot have a successful festival without you, the following benefits are provided for volunteers:

• A limited edition t-shirt

• A voucher for each four (4) hour shift worked. Vouchers can be used towards screenings, $5 toward festival merchandise, or as $5 toward a Friends of the Festival membership.

• Water and light snacks will be also available at the volunteer headquarters as well as all volunteer venues

• Volunteers are invited to a free exclusive “Volunteers Only” screening of one of the most popular films of MDFF 2016.

Below is a list of details that are important to consider when filling out your application for this year’s festival.

SHIFT TIMES: The majority of volunteer shifts last four (4) hours. There are some shifts available that require more of a leadership capacity or technical skills, where volunteers will be asked to dedicate six (6) hours of their time.

SCHEDULING: After reviewing applications, the link for scheduling shifts will be sent to volunteers. After you receive the link you’ll be able to schedule yourself to volunteer, as well as update any changes in contact information. Additionally, some volunteers may be contacted to set up an interview if they have indicated an interested in specialized positions or mentioned special skills that may be of use to the festival’s operation.

PLEASE NOTE: Although most volunteer jobs and shifts are assigned before the festival, special circumstances frequently come up just before the festival’s opening and during the festival. We may need to make adjustments or ask volunteers to change their assigned activities. We appreciate your understanding of the festival’s need to provide ample coverage at all positions.

AGE REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers under the age of 18 can apply to help out at the festival, but may be excluded from certain positions and must submit a permission form signed by a parent or guardian before volunteering. Volunteers under the age of 18 who wish to apply must be at least 16 years old to participate.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY FORM: All volunteers must sign a Waiver of Liability & Emergency Contact Information form. Directions for completing this form will be sent to you by the volunteer coordinator.

ORIENTATION: All volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend a volunteer orientation at the MICA Lazarus Center on either Saturday, April 23rd from 10:30AM-noon or Saturday, April 30th, 10:30AM-noon. Staff will be available after each orientation session to answer questions. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with familiar faces and meet those new to the festival. The MICA Lazarus Center is located at 131 W. North Avenue next to Nancy Cafe.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the volunteer coordinator via email at [email protected] (preferred) or by phone: (410)-752-8083 (MFF office).