More than 50,000 people have volunteered at TIFF, and that’s just over the past 15 years. That’s 1.2 million hours! These tough 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
Years volunteering: 25
Why I love volunteering at TIFF: It’s about seeing the different ways in which film connects people.
Wildest festival experience: Many years ago, before barricades were introduced, we had 300+ spectators standing on Yonge St. 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 St., 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. Aww…
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+ years ago at the festival, reconnected with a friend from elementary school who is a fellow volunteer, and 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. Or Wong Kar Wai premiering a new film here at TIFF.
Pam Shanks
Years volunteering: 14
Why I love volunteering at TIFF: The people, the atmosphere, the movies — it all comes together during those 10 days. It’s a time to meet new people, get reacquainted with fellow volunteers and live and breathe movies.
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: Attending the 20th anniversary of “The Big Chill.” It was surreal to wave to Kevin Kline, sitting a row behind me. The music from the movie 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. Of course someone asked him to deliver his favourite two-word line from “Succession,” which he did, with a smile.
Most inspiring volunteer moment: There’s a volunteer who puts in several shifts but does not use her volunteer film vouchers; instead, she gifts them to women’s shelters.
How volunteering at TIFF changed my life: As a retiree, it’s given me a sense of purpose; as much as most people want to be done with work it does keep you engaged. Volunteering gives me that.
Dream festival moment: The unexpected! Yes, I have favourite movie stars (I’m looking at you, Timothée Chalamet!) but it’s those random moments, like passing Colm Meaney as he walked alone on the street one night and wishing him a great stay in Toronto. His easy smile and thank-you has stayed with me.
Maurice-Pierre Joani
Years volunteering: 18
Why I love volunteering at TIFF: Every year brings you a new experience and new surprises. 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. I also love being known as the friendliest and most accessible film festival to catch great movies. Who would have thought or even predicted 50 years ago that this city will become one of the major gatherings of the cinematographic world, every September? Long live TIFF!
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 you 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 memorable crowd-pleasing films that move you in more than one way, not knowing if they will make it big or not, like “Talk to Her,” “Little White Lies,” “Les Triplettes de Belleville,” “Café de Flore,” I Killed my Mother,” “Mommy,” “Sing Sing,” “Moonlight,” and “Women Talking.”
