NOTHING SAYS BIFF LIKE HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS

The Beloit International Film Festival runs on its volunteers. It is what filmmakers and audiences talk about in their BIFF reviews.

From selling scarves to starting films, and transporting filmmakers, BIFF depends on the largest volunteer turnout of any event in Beloit. “300-400 people from throughout the region put their special mark on BIFF each year,” notes incoming executive director Max Maiken. “It is this image of our community that stays with visitors long after the films end. It is a critical part of BIFF’s effort to ‘Bring Beloit to the World’.”

BIFF dates are a week later that last year, starting the ten-day run on Friday, Feb. 24, but the search for volunteers is underway. Susan Picking, BIFF board member and a recent transplant to Beloit, will chair the volunteer effort for BIFF2017. She is looking forward to hearing from veterans– who now number more than a thousand—as well as a new team of volunteers who want to get involved in Beloit’s biggest event. “We are looking for a lot of talent,” she says, “including venue captains, filmmaker support, drivers, cashiers and more. And everybody gets rewarded with free tickets to films.”

For those who prefer the personal touch and a chance to learn more about the various jobs available, there will be registration and training sessions during January and February at Bushel and Peck’s Local Market at 329 State St. in Beloit.

Signups for volunteers are:

  • Sat. Jan. 28: 10:00 a.m. – noon
  • Thu. Feb. 2:  5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Sat. Feb. 11: 10:00 a.m. – noon.

Training sessions for all volunteers are scheduled for:

  • Sat. Feb. 11th:  Noon – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thu. Feb. 16: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Last minute volunteer registration will be possible at  the BIFF Box Office opening in mid-February.

More Information:

Susan Picking 
BIFF 2017 Volunteer Coordinator
608-312- 4256.
The BIFF Volunteers Page

BIFF - Beloit International Film Festival
BIFF | Beloit International Film Festival