Volunteering with the CFI

The Canadian Film Institute team relies on dedicated volunteers to ensure our events run smoothly and successfully. As a non-profit organization, the CFI would not be able to run events without volunteer support. By volunteering with the CFI you are ensuring that we can continue to bring world and Canadian cinema to Ottawa. We aim to provide an inclusive, positive, and fun atmosphere for our volunteers. We’re very grateful to have such a supportive community of staff, volunteers, patrons, members, and friends.

Volunteer Positions

At Screenings
Volunteers take/scan tickets at the door, use a clicker to count attendees, greet guests at the building entrances and direct them to the venue, and generally help staff with guests, crowd control, and ushering. Bilingual (English/French) volunteers are a great help with Francophone guests. Most screenings take place on weekday evenings and weekends. Each screening shift is two hours.

At Parties
Volunteers help with set up and tear down, serve food & drink samples, bartend, work the coat check, take tickets and put on wristbands, and generally help the staff keep things running smoothly. Most parties take place on weekday evenings. Smart Serve certification is required of any volunteers serving alcohol or checking IDs.

In the Office
Volunteers help with tasks like filing, reception, office organization, running errands, preparing promotional material, and other festival preparation. This work takes place during weekday office hours.

Postering
Volunteers hit the streets to get our posters up. We provide maps, guidelines, and tape. Volunteers will have to pick up the posters during office hours, but postering could be done at your convenience in other areas of the city.

Translation
The CFI keeps most printed material and our website bilingual (English and French). The organization, and staff, are not required to be bilingual, but we try our best to accommodate Francophone patrons. We occasionally require the work of a translator to translate printed materials and website content from English to French. This work can be done remotely.

Ottawa International Animation Festival
The CFI’s largest festival, the Ottawa International Animation Festival, uses 200+ volunteers every year! The OIAF is a five-day festival in September of screenings, talks, and parties. If you are interested in a fun and rewarding volunteer experience -and an OIAF pass!- then register at AnimationFestival.ca. Volunteer positions vary from other CFI event positions.

How do I apply to be a volunteer?

Fill out the form on this page and you will be added to the volunteer list! You will then receive an email from the Volunteer Coordinator whenever there is a call for volunteers.

What are the basic requirements to be a volunteer?

  • 15 years old or older

  • Fluency in English (French, and other languages, can be beneficial)

  • Ability to safely commute to the venue

  • There are no physical requirements (ie: most tasks can be done seated) Contact us with other accessibility questions.

  • Smart Serve certification is required for any role serving alcohol or checking IDs

  • There is no minimum required number of shifts

  • Read and understand the CFI Code of Conduct

Why should I volunteer for the CFI?

If you want to support what the CFI does for the film community of Ottawa, volunteering is a great way! You will be a part of an enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers, meet people who feel the same way, and have fun! And if you really love film, then you’ll appreciate the free CFI ticket you receive after each 2-hour shift.