Pre-fest volunteers work on a team to mount and promote the festival, and to work to make sure that as many people know about it as possible. Volunteer opportunities are open for educators (reaching out to area high schools and colleges), film and video professionals (compiling trailers, working on in-Festival production teams, and creating presentation DVDs), development experts (contacting existing and prospective film sponsors), writers and publicists (writing articles, blogs, and press releases; integrating social network technologies; distributing posters, schedules and other print materials), hospitality (providing transportation and other logistics for visiting filmmakers from America and Europe), and film advocates (adopting a particular film in order to nurture its audience).

Although pre-fest volunteers do not receive cash compensation, participants who contribute at least 40 hours to the festival will receive free admission to all Salem Film Fest films and events, including more than 34 film screenings, numerous fun events, and the gala Oscar Party on Sunday, March 7.

In-festival volunteers help make this rich and complex event transpire smoothly, orienting moviegoers, providing technical support, facilitating the Audience Award balloting, and assisting filmmakers, musicians, moderators, and other festival participants. The pace is fast and the challenges are many, but the experience is fun and gratifying — and you’ve made a real contribution to a great event.