Job Type: Volunteer (Unpaid) | Fixed-Term (1 year commitment, with opportunity for annual renewal)
About VFF
The Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) is a not-for-profit organization, dedicated to securing the future of the short film industry and celebrating creativity through film. Since 2012, VFF has grown into a global platform for emerging and established filmmakers, providing opportunities to showcase work, connect with audiences, and build industry relationships.
More than a festival, VFF is a year-round hub for filmmakers and film lovers, drawing thousands of attendees through screenings, special events, and our annual festival week, with over 1,900 short film submissions from 65+ countries to date.
Position Overview
We're looking for passionate, dependable, and team-oriented volunteers who are excited to help create memorable experiences for our guests, filmmakers, sponsors, and community.
As a Cast Team member, you'll play an important role behind the scenes at film screenings, our Awards Show, community events, workshops, and other special programming throughout the year. You'll support event operations, guest hospitality, and audience engagement while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the arts, culture, and live events industry.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop professional skills, expand your network, gain valuable event experience, and contribute to one of Vaughan's most dynamic cultural organizations.
Time Commitment
This is a one-year volunteer commitment with the opportunity for annual renewal.
Volunteers must be available for:
- Monthly in-person team meetings at our Vaughan office (occasionally twice per month)
- All major festival events and select year-round programming
- Additional meetings, training sessions, and/or event commitments as required
While volunteers contribute throughout the year, the largest time commitment occurs during Festival Week (typically held in June or July), when volunteers are expected to support multiple event days and shifts.
What You'll Do
As a member of the Cast Team, you'll play a hands-on role in delivering exceptional events and creating outstanding guest experiences. Responsibilities include:
- Attend mandatory monthly in-person meetings at our Vaughan office
- Support film screenings, community events, workshops, and festival activities in a variety of event roles
- Assist with event logistics and operations before, during, and after events
- Welcome and assist guests, filmmakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees to ensure a positive festival experience
- Stay connected and responsive through WhatsApp and email
- Help promote Vaughan Film Festival by engaging with our social media channels through likes, comments, and shares
- Step into different responsibilities as needed to help ensure events run smoothly
Examples of Volunteer Assignments
Assignments vary by event and may include:
- Guest check-in and registration
- Audience engagement and crowd coordination
- Event setup and teardown
- Wayfinding and guest assistance
- General event support wherever needed
Qualifications:
- 18 years of age or older
- Ontario high school graduate (or equivalent)
- Active WhatsApp account
- Vulnerable Sector Check (required; at volunteer's expense)
- Strong team player who enjoys collaborating with others
- Passionate about film, arts, live events, and creating exceptional guest experiences
- Reliable, committed, professional, and accountable
- Positive attitude with a willingness to help wherever needed
- Calm and composed under pressure
- Flexible and adaptable in fast-paced event environments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable interacting with guests, filmmakers, sponsors, staff, and fellow volunteers
Previous experience in events, hospitality, customer service, tourism, or film festivals is considered an asset, but is not required.
Why Volunteer With Us?
This role is ideal for students, recent graduates, and professionals looking to gain experience in:
- Events
- Guest Experience
- Hospitality
- Arts & Culture
- Film & Entertainment
- Nonprofit Organizations
As a Cast Team volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on experience supporting professional events
- Develop transferable skills in event operations, guest experience, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and customer service
- Be part of a welcoming and supportive volunteer community
- Make a meaningful impact while helping bring unforgettable film experiences to audiences
If you're passionate about events, film, and creating memorable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Join the Vaughan Film Festival's Cast Team and help bring our events to life!
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Application question(s):
- Are you able to commit to in-person meetings and events in Vaughan for the next 12 months?
- Why are you interested in volunteering with the Vaughan International Film Festival, and what do you hope to gain from this experience?
Location:
Work Location: In person
