More than 50,000 people have volunteered at TIFF, and that’s just over the past 15 years. (That equals 1.2 million hours!) These movie buffs brave wild crowds, busy screenings and screaming fans to make our fantastic film festival happen. Here, three veteran volunteers share what makes TIFF special — and what brings them back, year after year.
Ada Wong
Wildest festival experience: Many years ago, before barricades were introduced, we had 300-plus spectators standing on Yonge Street waiting for Johnny Depp’s arrival. When he stepped out of the car and turned to wave at the crowd, they took that as a sign to come running across Yonge Street, right towards where the volunteers were positioned. I know no one was there to get my autograph that night but it was a daunting feeling to have 300 people rushing towards you.
Most special festival moment: I witnessed a TIFF volunteer wedding proposal! One of my volunteer team had met his now-wife on her first volunteer shift when he offered to show her the ropes, so when it came time to propose he asked us if he could do it in the volunteer lounge where they first met.
How volunteering at TIFF changed my life: I have made countless friendships from my years of volunteering: I’m still friends with people I met 20-plus years ago at the festival. I reconnected with a friend from elementary school who is a fellow volunteer, and I met my best friend at TIFF.
Dream festival moment: Quentin Tarantino directing a live read of “Pulp Fiction” with the cast of Ron Howard’s “Eden” from TIFF 2024.
Maurice-Pierre Joani
Why I love volunteering: Meeting new and returning patrons and lots of volunteers who are dedicated to come back every year is a great way to kick off the festival.
Fave celeb sighting: Bill Maher. He wanted to light up another cigarette to carry on (our conversation) and suddenly someone yelled at him in a friendly way: “Bill, get your ass inside as everyone is in now and we’re waiting for you in order to introduce your film!”
How volunteering at TIFF changed my life: TIFF opens my mind so much as it’s such an enriching human experience, given the people you meet and work with, just interacting with such ease. People talk to each other in such a friendly manner, share their thoughts and discuss the films seen that year or previous years in Toronto with their own special anecdotes.
Dream festival moment: Anytime I — with little expectations — am able to see a film that catches me by surprise: the script, the actors, the way it was filmed, the location. A film that brings much reflection and stays with you a few more days. My faves would include “Talk to Her,” “Little White Lies,” “Les Triplettes de Belleville,” “Café de Flore,” “I Killed My Mother,” “Mommy,” “Sing Sing,” “Moonlight” and “Women Talking.”
Pam Shanks
Wildest festival experience: The fan-zones! When a star appears, a roar from the crowd erupts, which immediately attracts the attention of anyone who happens to be on that stretch of King. People stop in their tracks to catch a glimpse and see what’s going on, causing a complete pedestrian traffic jam. It’s a burst of pandemonium but also part of what makes the festival so exciting and welcoming to the public.
Most special festival moment: The 20th anniversary of “The Big Chill.” It was surreal to wave to Kevin Kline, sitting a row behind me. The movie music played as the crowd came in and the audience cheered and whistled the first time each of the cast appeared on screen. The Q&A after was the icing on the cake!
Fave celeb sighting: Brian Cox. Someone asked him to deliver his favourite two-word line from “Succession,” which he did, with a smile.
Most inspiring moment: There’s a volunteer who gifts her volunteer film vouchers to women’s shelters.
How volunteering at TIFF changed my life: As a retiree, it’s given me a sense of purpose.
Dream festival moment: The unexpected and random moments! I once wished Colm Meaney a great festival; his “thank you” has stayed with me.
