Become a Volunteer
What was the best part about volunteering for Hot Docs?
"The people. All of the executive and people working for Hot Docs really project their appreciation for our help, and in most cases they empower us to do our job. That made performing the task much easier and more enjoyable."
- Hot Docs volunteer
Volunteers are essential for the smooth operation of the Hot Docs festival. Each year, Hot Docs depends on the skills of a committed group of volunteers to fill various positions both prior to and during the festival. We strive for a friendly, team atmosphere, and the Hot Docs staff, some of whom started out as volunteers, are quick to provide support and show their gratitude for the efforts of our volunteers.
In return for your time and dedication, Hot Docs offers its volunteers:
- The opportunity to contribute their skills and gain valuable experience and knowledge through participation in the largest documentary film festival in North America;
- The opportunity to contribute to Toronto's vibrant cultural community;
- The chance to work in a high-energy environment featuring documentary filmmakers and industry professionals;
- Access to Hot Docs 2010 screenings and events;
- Acknowledgement as a valuable team member.
There are a number of interesting volunteer opportunities available at Hot Docs leading up to the festival in April such as neighbourhood marketing, copy editing/proofreading, translating, data entry, office work, and driving. During the festival, volunteers are engaged as theatre team members, theatre captains, reception hosts, runners, video library assistants, registrars, and more.
If you are interested in volunteering with Hot Docs, you need to be in our current database. To get yourself added, please take a few minutes to fill out our online volunteer form.
Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll get a confirmation email outlining how to log in anytime to update your information. As well, you’ll be added to our email list and kept informed of pre-fest volunteering opportunities and details on sign up sessions for festival shifts.
Another great way to stay informed and connected is to join one of two (or both!) of Hot Docs' official Facebook groups:
- To join the official Facebook group for Hot Docs volunteers, click here.
- To join the Hot Docs Facebook group, click here.
Further questions about volunteering at Hot Docs can be directed to:
Ron Koperdraad
Theatres and Volunteers Manager
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
110 Spadina Avenue, Suite 333
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2K4
Tel: (1) 416-203-2155 ext. 249
Fax: (1) 416-203-0446
E-mail: Volunteers
