By: Silvana Geraldino

Grab your popcorn and comfy clothes movie lovers, because it’s that time of the year again—film festival season! For movie enthusiasts and summer lovers alike, and considering the wet-cold weather, probably for everyone, there’s nothing more attractive at this time of the year than watching films, whether from the cozy comfort of your home or the movie theatre.

This year, I decided to take my passion for films to the next level by volunteering at the Sydney Film Festival. The festival ran from June 5 to the 16 and showcased over 200 films across 12 venues around Sydney.

Volunteering for SFF offers a range of exciting tasks, from access and inclusion assistance to ticketing and crowd control management, but you don’t know until you get to your shift and your venue manager assigns you something.

Armed with bravery, my volunteer shirt, the free public transport badge (great perk), and low-key stressed about not knowing what to expect, I arrived at my first shift at the Event Cinema George St, where I was assigned to… ticketing. Let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! Scanning tickets turned out to be a golden opportunity to meet and greet filmmakers, producers, cast members and other interesting industry people. The volunteering experience was amazing and the benefits even more! Free movie passes after each shift. Of course, I watched as many films as I could.

TALK – Doing Development Differently at The Hub, Lower Town Hall, Sydney – Thursday 13th June, 2024 Photographer: Belinda Rolland © 2024

One of the highlights of the Sydney Film Festival was the Q&A sessions with film directors after their screenings. These sessions were an incredible chance to explore the creative process behind the movie and connect with the filmmakers. I also enjoyed meeting the other volunteers and attending the free special industry talks at the Hub in Town Hall. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.

To keep the festival fever alive, I’ve compiled a list of live and upcoming film festivals. Pick your favourite, enjoy, and thank me later.

Japanese Film Fest: The Japanese Film Fest is online and free until July 3rd, offering a fantastic selection of Japanese movies and TV dramas. Explore a world of captivating stories and stunning visuals from the comfort of your home. Check it out here.

Spanish Film Fest: From June 14th to July 10th, the Spanish Film Fest is lighting up Palace Cinemas across Sydney (and other cities too). This year’s festival offers a diverse selection of the finest films from Spain and Latin America. The Special Presentation features contemporary female-led films exploring themes of ‘Liberation, Sensuality, and Empowerment.’ Plus, don’t miss the tribute to Salvador Dalí, one of the most versatile and prolific artists of the 20th century. Check out the lineup here.

Children’s International Film Fest: Running from 15 June to 14 July and presented by the Ritz Cinema in Randwick, the CHIFF is a month-long celebration of cinema designed to captivate and inspire young audiences and their families. It is the perfect plan for the winter school holidays! Visit their website here.

Scandinavian Film Fest: Get ready to warm up this winter with the 2024 Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival, presented by Palace Cinemas from July 9th to August 7th. Featuring the best new cinema from the Nordic region, this festival promises a superb lineup that will chase away the winter chill. Don’t miss out on these incredible films. Find out more here.