25.02.26
BEHIND THE SCENES AT SUFFOLK SHORTS: A VOLUNTEER’S STORY
Suffolk Shorts is powered by people. From the dedicated screening panel and trusted advisors to the event-day volunteers and judges, every individual gives their time simply for the love of film and the joy of being part of something special.
This blog is a first-hand account of what it’s really like to be one of those volunteers. It tells the story of someone who first discovered the festival as a screener, fell in love with the experience, and was so inspired by the community that she travelled all the way from the USA just to be there in person on the day.
Volunteering at Suffolk Shorts is not only a fun experience, it can also kickstart your career into the film world.
As a volunteer, you support a wide array of filmmakers, writers, producers, and actors. Building relationships with these networks can aid your future endeavours, either becoming mentors or collaborators. Networking aside, during Suffolk Shorts, you'll watch more films than in a semester at film school. What this does for your own artistic development is provide a crash course for what you like, what inspires you, and what resonates with a live audience. This is a unique experience for budding filmmakers that can deepen your discernment and shape your own visions.
Last year, I volunteered with Suffolk Shorts and it was a rainy day to remember. We arrived bright and early, though because of the rain it was more early than bright. We helped the team set up then stepped into Woodbridge for breakfast and a coffee at Wild Strawberry Cafe. The festival is conveniently located right at the train station, making it easy to commute by train, bus, or car. Woodbridge has lovely shops, cafes, and eateries that we enjoyed between the programs. Back at the cinema, we donned our volunteer shirts and received a briefing about our roles and responsibilities for the day: welcome guests, hand out programs, welcome filmmakers, make sure they have what they need. Simple!
As the day went on, each program brought more people, though many also stayed for the whole day. Between programs I spoke with the filmmakers, producers, directors, and actors. There were brief pauses between the films and trigger warnings were displayed, giving everyone the opportunity to step outside for a film if needed. Some films were dark, others joyful, but all the films reflected some aspect of the human experience. My personal favourite of the day was So Far, so good by Beth and Natasha Perkin because it brought such a smile to my face.
As a volunteer, I felt like there was a balanced amount of "on" time with personal time. We did take a midday break for sandwiches and a bit of window shopping. Before the last program, the rain cleared up and we all went outside to see the pinkest of Suffolk sunsets; such a treat. By the drive home late that evening, my head was swimming with clips from the films I had seen and visions of films I wanted to make. I look back on the day fondly and am grateful to have been a part of the Suffolk Shorts volunteer team for the day.
Author:
Hannah Zuckerberg
Hannah was an Event Volunteer
and Screener for Suffolk Shorts
Film Festival.