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Film Fest volunteer meeting Feb. 16

Each year, the Sonoma International Film Festival relies on volunteers to make this unique cultural event a success. This year, the festival is hosting a Volunteer Rally at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, at Vintage House senior center in Stone Hall, 264 First St. E.

New and returning volunteers are invited to attend the first volunteer orientation, where staff will give an overview with information about the upcoming festival, set for April 11 to 15.

“Volunteering is a way to meet new people, see old friends and be an integral part of the festival,” said Mary Catherine Cutcliffe, Sonoma International Film Festival’s director of operations.

Volunteers can sign up online at www.sonomafilmfest.org/volunteer-application/ if they are unable to attend the rally.

A SIFF veteran and devoted volunteer herself, Kim Enzensperger will return as volunteer coordinator for the 15th annual festival. Enzensperger acted as festival volunteer coordinator in 2002 and 2003. Between 2004 and 2010, she managed both the Sebastiani Theatre and the House of Docs as festival venues before returning last year to her previous role as volunteer coordinator.

“I love the film festival. I am happy to offer my time in support of this amazing community resource by recruiting and organizing the volunteers that make the festival come alive. And since our festival is such a unique cultural asset that benefits our local high school, I also do this for the town of Sonoma – a place I’m really proud of,” Enzensperger said.

As many as 400 volunteers are needed to greet visitors, act as ushers at screenings, work the parties and events, provide hospitality for filmmakers, be available as “runners,” help with pre-festival production, pour beer and wine and to offer technical expertise. Volunteers from previous years rave about the experience of being amongst the festival’s inner circle and the lasting friendships that are forged through the festival experience.

In addition to these benefits, volunteers are rewarded for their work with tickets to films and a volunteer badge that provides access to the “Backlot Tent” or festival “hub” with its chic lounge environment, refreshments and festival VIPs mingling among the crowd.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Sonoma International Film Festival is encouraged to attend the Feb. 16 meeting at Vintage House.

Any questions should be directed to Enzensperger at 548-8465.