Volunteer Opportunities with the Atlanta Film Society

Atlanta Film Society needs hundreds of outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers every year for both the Atlanta Film Festival and our year-round programs.  Volunteering for ATLFS is about helping a wonderful selection of films and artists to share their stories here in Atlanta.  However, the real benefits of volunteering aren’t things, or even films—they are the experiences you have and the people you meet.

What volunteer positions are available?

  • Watch films! Each of our volunteers are added to our database for audience support. Assist our programming team in creating the best possible experience for our visiting filmmakers by being present and enthusiastic audience members. All screenings do not require audience support.

  • Our Fest Crew will work on a flexible schedule and assist with the transportation of equipment and execution of festival events. Volunteers will work closely with ATLFF staff to manage event flow and process. Responsibilities may include: meeting and greeting important guests and TV stars, setting up tech and presentation equipment, cleaning up event spaces and green rooms, photocopying, general admin, etc. These shifts may be before the festival begins. Have you worked on a film set? We need you on call for our Fest Crew!

  • The Filmmaker Services Liaison Team is responsible for being our in-town guests’ escorts and contacts. This team will coordinate to create and distribute information packets for guests. Liaisons will anticipate filmmaker arrivals per film at the theater and put the arriving guests and speakers in connection with the staff or the technical manager expecting them. The Liaison team will finish by escorting the guests to any scheduled events, after the screening as well. If the filmmaker does not wish to sit in the theater for their film, the Liaison will know the time that they need to return for Q&A and will return to the theater with the filmmaker. The team will work long hours, and customer service is your main concern. The Filmmaker Services Liaison Team is also available for any other duties as assigned.

  • Welcome our patrons and serve as a “human signpost” to direct them where they need to go.

  • Volunteers will assist at our “basecamp” for the festival. Duties include t-shirt distribution, event set up, meal distribution, greeting filmmakers, and much more.

  • Responsibilities may include organizing guests into appropriate lines or scanning guests’ tickets.

  • Parking attendants are needed to give our guests and patrons directions to parking lots that are available to festival patrons. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing as the weather in April can be unpredictable.

  • The tasks will include setting up, breaking down, cleaning up, and maintenance before, during, and after our special events.

  • Sponsor Liaisons will be integral in providing on-site support for sponsors during the 10-day festival.  Responsibilities include assisting with setting up sponsor activations, coordinating activation needs for sponsors, being the liaison contact for sponsors during certain events, and assisting with any specific needs from the sponsor. 

  • Want to do your volunteering before the festival? Post marketing materials (Posters, Post Cards, Window Cards, etc.) around Metro Atlanta prior to the festival to gain access to ATLFF ‘25. For more info click here.


  • As the Theater Attendant, you will be stationed at the theater door to rip the tickets for patrons entering the theater and click any VIP passes on the clicker in lieu of a ticket. If a patron leaves the theater, they must have their ticket stub in hand to return to the auditorium without waiting in line. At the queuing area outside the auditorium entrance, Theater Attendants maintain crowd control and noise levels.

  • Ushers will be stationed inside the theater to assist guests to their correct seats.


  • Captains serve as the supervisors to the volunteers of each department and venue. They will be responsible for tracking the arrival and departure of each volunteer during the festival. They will be required to work a minimum of three approximately 8-hour shifts and will be expected to embrace additional responsibilities and time commitments to fulfill their roles. Captains play a critical role in maintaining a smoothly run festival.

  • Workshop attendants will be stationed at the door to check the credentials of workshop attendees.


Volunteer positions are subject to change, so please be flexible!

How to volunteer?

Sign up to be notified of volunteer opportunities. You will be notified via email from the volunteer coordinator about orientation dates and times. Please make sure to sign up for orientation as it is required that you attend one to volunteer with us.

Volunteer Benefits?

FREE virtual access to the 2024 Atlanta Film Festival screenings and seminars after completing 3 consecutive or 4 non-consecutive shifts you work.  For each shift worked, which will be approximately 4-6 hours,  all volunteers will receive 1 voucher, good for an in-person creative conference event. Any volunteer who works 5 or more shifts will receive a one-year membership for the Atlanta Film Society.

For more information about Corporate Volunteer Teams, contact us at volunteerhelp@atlantafilmsociety.org.

ATLANTA FILM SOCIETY
Volunteer Application

The Atlanta Film Society cannot do what we do without the help and support of our volunteers. You are the unsung heroes that produce an amazing festival every year and provide Atlanta with year-round film events and unforgettable experiences.

We would like to welcome you to apply to become a volunteer for the 2025 ATLFF (April 24th-May 4th) and other events throughout the year. We encourage our volunteers to enjoy both behind the scenes view of the festival as well as being entertained as the audience. Volunteer’s benefits for 2025 include FREE digital access to the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival screenings and seminars after completing 3 consecutive or 4 non-consecutive shifts you work.  For each shift worked, which will be approximately 4-6 hours,  all volunteers will receive 1 voucher to attend an in-person Creative Conference event. Any volunteer who works 5 or more shifts will receive a one-year membership for the Atlanta Film Society.

All volunteer positions play an important role in the success of the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival. Once your application is completed, please make plans to attend one of three volunteer orientations—scheduled on weekends and weekdays before the festival. They will all be in-person and attendance to 1 is required. The volunteer coordinator will be in contact with you via email to discuss scheduling for this year.

ATLANTA FILM SOCIETY VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

The Atlanta Film Society's success is based on creating a positive, professional and fun atmosphere for our audience, filmmakers and guests. Our staff and volunteers are our greatest assets, therefore it is important to remember that as a volunteer you are often the first and last impression of the Atlanta Film Society.

  • I understand that while volunteering I must abide by established COVID guidelines and testing protocol. 

  • I understand I represent the Atlanta Film Society and its interests while on shift.

  • I understand volunteers are un-paid.

  • I understand that as a volunteer, I should be polite, courteous and respectful at all times to the ATLFS patrons and fellow volunteers.

  • I understand as a volunteer, the patron has the priority in seating.

  • I understand I am required to be in uniform while volunteering and out of uniform when not volunteering.

  • I understand that the festival is counting on me for the shifts that I am assigned. I will contact my volunteer team lead if an emergency cancellation arises.

  • I am at least 18 years of age. A parent or guardian must accompany a volunteer younger than 18 years old during their volunteer shift.

The Atlanta Film Society, in accordance with applicable federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer that seeks an inclusive and representative staff and particularly welcomes applications from women and diverse ethnicities. The Atlanta Film Society does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all staff members, interns and volunteers.