14th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival Seeks Volunteers

Each year, the Sonoma International Film Festival relies on volunteers to make the event a success. 

“Volunteers are the work force of the Festival.  Without volunteers, we would not have the Festival we do,” says Sonoma International Film Festival Director of Operations, Mary Catherine Cutcliffe. 

Founded in 1997, The Sonoma International Film Festival is a five day international event that takes pride in showcasing emerging talent and featuring unreleased films.

A non-profit organization, the Festival supports the Sonoma Valley High School Media Arts program established over a decade ago by the Sonoma Film Society. 

This year, the Festival is hosting a volunteer recruitment meeting and orientation on March 10 at 6 p.m, at , 264 First Street, Sonoma.

A SIFF veteran and devoted volunteer herself, Kim Enzensperger has stepped up as Volunteer Coordinator for the 14^th Annual Festival.  Enzensperger acted as Festival Volunteer Coordinator in 2001 and 2002 and, most recently, managed Sebastiani and The House of Docs for the Festival.  “I love the film festival.  I love working with Kevin, Mary Catherine & Ginny.  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.  I have experience as Volunteer Coordinator and time to share.”

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 & wine, and to offer technical expertise.  Volunteers from previous years rave about the experience of being among 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 Back Lot or Festival “hub” with its chic lounge environment, refreshments and Festival VIP’s mingling among the crowd.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Sonoma International Film Festival should attend the meeting at Vintage House on March 10 at 6 p.m.