“It is the people of Beloit that make all the difference,” say the Beloit International Film Festival volunteer coordinators Jim and Nancy Heidt. “And this is the time of year when we are searching for about 300 of Beloit’s best to fill the volunteer ranks for BIFF2019.”

BIFF has gained an international reputation for great films, attentive audiences, wonderful accommodations and a warm welcome. According to executive director Marty Densch, “The thing we hear about most, especially on social media, is the great people that filmmakers meet here, from the drivers who pick them up at the airport, to the ticket takers at the venues and the people that buy them drinks just to get a chance to talk with them about their films. These stories go around the world.”

The front line in creating that great impression rests with the volunteers who make BIFF happen at all levels. According to the Heidt’s, “BIFF needs 300-400 “Ambassadors” each year with all sorts of skills to make BIFF go smoothly. And there is also the bonus that Volunteers receive 4 free passes for BIFF films.”

Volunteers can sign up online at beloitfilmfest.org/festival/volunteers. For those wishing to learn more about the available jobs, there will be special Sign Up Days when the Heidts will be at Bushel and Peck Local Market at 328 State St. in Beloit, three successive Saturdays from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. on Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and Feb.9. There will also be special training sessions closer to the start of BIFF.

For additional information, check out BIFF on Facebook and click “Like” to receive info updates on volunteer training days and times. And for more information on volunteering, please call 773-818-5010.

The Beloit International Film Festival this year marks its 14th season as the region’s major international cultural event. BIFF is sponsored by the Hendricks Group in association with Beloit College with additional support provided by Visit Beloit. Support for the Festival comes from area businesses and civic organizations, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Critical individual support for BIFF is provided through gifts and membership in the BIFF Founders and the Film Society of Beloit.

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