Volunteer
Our devoted team of volunteers consists of vibrant, fun-loving film enthusiasts. Together we transform the way people see the world through film—making the Ojai Film Festival a thriving environment for filmmakers and the community.
Volunteer Roles
Find the right role for you—whether you love welcoming guests, managing logistics, or supporting filmmakers behind the scenes.
Usher / Ticket Taker
- Take tickets and count attendance
- Assist guests to seats
- Tidy up after each screening
- Hand out and collect audience film votes
Will Call / Ticket Sales
- Greet and assist in directing guests
- Process will-call tickets
- Distribute complimentary tickets and passes
- Sell tickets using Square POS
- Offer festival programs and answer questions
Hospitality & Special Events
- Serve food and/or beverages
- Set-up and clean up the event
- Decorate and put up event signage
- Assist in hosting the event
Event Crew
- Set up and take down equipment and materials
- Lift and transport heavy supplies to venues and events
Technical Crew
- Projection assistance for screenings (experience required)
- Lighting and sound support at venues
- Set up video recording equipment for Q&As
- Assist guest computer setup for presentations
Welcome / Visitor Table
- Distribute Ojai and Festival information to guests
- Answer program and Festival questions
- Help with venue orientation and location
Filmmaker Housing
- Host a filmmaker in your home during the festival
- Recruit other hosts
- Assist filmmakers with finding accommodations
Marketing / Media / Design
- Write articles and posts for web and email
- Design fliers, posters, and organization assets
- Take photos or videos at events
- Create social media content
Sponsorship / Fundraising
- Recruit sponsors for cash or in-kind donations
- Write appeal letters during annual campaign
- Source items for auction or raffle
- Create fundraising strategies for organization
Filmmaker Liaison
- Facilitate Q&As after film screenings
- Be point person for filmmakers during festival
- Interview filmmakers and take photos
Film Screener
- Watch and judge film submissions
- Provide feedback and write reviews
Sponsor / VIP Experience
- Ensure sponsors’ logos and banners are prominently displayed
- Designate reserved seating for VIPs and sponsors
- Provide for VIP and sponsor needs
Commitment
Volunteers may commit to onsite Festival and event roles like will call, hospitality, set-up, and more. Remote helpers are welcome for marketing, design, or project management.
- Onsite: usually 1 × 4-hour shift
- Remote: project-based, flexible schedule
All Volunteers Receive
- 4-pack of tickets
- Invite to the Volunteer Appreciation Party
2025 Festival Dates
- Mid-October: Volunteer orientation
- November 6–10, 2025: Ojai Film Festival
- Thursday, November 6 (evening): OFF Box Office opens at Libbey Bowl screening
- Fri–Mon, November 7–10: OFF Box Office open full-time at the Ojai Art Center
Dates updated for 2025. Subject to minor adjustments by the festival team.
Filmmaker Hosts
Hosting a filmmaker is one of the most meaningful ways to support OFF. Provide a guest room for 1–3 nights and receive a 6-pack of tickets as our thanks.
Questions?
Interested volunteers and those looking for more information, please contact us at volunteers@ojaifilmfestival.com.