Cle Int'l Film Fest '07 Debrief From a Volunteering Film Buff

My love for film prompted me to volunteer for the International Film Festival for the first time this year. I have patronized the festival for many years, and surprisingly I still remember my favorite film from 2006, Ryna. I chose Friday night for my first experience in battling the massive crowds, long lines at the “standby” section and of course the fanatical concession stand where most everyone buys popcorn and diet pop. The anticipation is far worse than the actual task at hand for your nerves, that is. Simply thinking, can I do this?

I drive down the narrow ramp into the infamous Tower City parking lot where, I stuff a sandwich in my mouth while waiting in the long continuous line to receive my ticket. The ticket agent asks, “Where are you headed this evening, the game?” I proudly state, “The International Film Festival.” I park my car under the deteriated ramp where continuous drops of water collectively form puddles near by. I frantically stuff my purse and my other belongings into the trunk. I walk in full stride towards the double doors, onto the escalator.

I proceed to the “Volunteer” section, which is positioned at the end of a long hallway near a theater where The Host is showing. Pizza boxes and vegetable trays spread were spread out onto the table. I didn’t expect all this food; I guess I didn’t need to inhale that delicious tuna fish sandwich after all. I hung up my coat, and took my white t-shirt from the box which displayed a simple statement in black across the front, Confess Your Love for Film, plus a volunteer badge with my name emblazon in a bold font from the table. I am an official volunteer. The coordinator soon thereafter called out potential jobs, which included money handling, line coordinator who stands along side each theater sign or theater ushers who stand outside to either hand out ballots and count all patrons. How the balloting process is done, your receive a square piece of paper with each corner displaying, excellent, good, fair and poor. Tear off your vote for the film!

Since, I wanted to be where all the film buffs storm into the theater, I chose working outside the blue theater, where A Map of Saturday was displayed on the marquee. I was at a disadvantage, however, for not previously reading any of the film synopses. My job description was called the “clicker” where I count every body that comes into the theater. To my surprise the first three individuals to arrive, was the filmmaker, and two others. “Is it okay if we go in and sit, I realize we are early,” very nonchalant and in an easy going manner. As they walked through the entrance, I asked my fellow volunteer, “Which one is the filmmaker? The woman. No, the young guy.” My first thought was, how young he looks to be having a feature film at the Festival; and, at the same time I was honored that he took time to travel to our fair city to conduct a Question and Answer afterwards. His name is Brook Silva-Braga and his parents I find out later.

Soon thereafter, the first to arrive were the special Pass holders coming in full stride towards the entrance. One pass holder in particular we were alerted to, the Mogul pass, fuchsia pink, where he or she pays an exorbanent amount of money for special privileges. I manically begin clicking everyone into the theater. The challenge of being a clicker, however, is counting all the crowds who seem to come in large groups where I mentally think to myself, blonde woman, guy in brown, two small children and a shorter young couple.

After your counter registers 100, certain individuals decide to leave the theater to get popcorn and a drink. Did I count the brunette with the multicolored skirt? I could suddenly feel the energy being exerted. Everyone had one thing in common, an appreciation or love for film.

After a CIFF staff member recorded the count, and ballots have been distributed, we have a lag time of about 90 minutes where we can either count ballots from previous films or walk into the fanatical madhouse of the food court. Fast food anyone! One could feel the overpowering smell and saturated oil clinging to your clothing.

Eight-forty five and the theater exit is inundated with film aficionados, pushing their way out into the hallway. “Ballot please!” “We have extra ballots if you need them.” “What did you think of the film? All three of us volunteers yell out in unison. “Fantastic! Excellent!” exclaimed the crowd.

By nine o’clock, after the Question and Answer was completed, the ballot box was filling up rather quickly. A favorable response was the norm at the blue theater that night. Once each ballot box is filled, someone takes it to the volunteer section, then ballots are distributed into a manila envelope and a final count is displayed on the outside.

The next movie at the now-Yellow Theater is Angosto, show time 10:00. Each theater usually receives five volunteers. Three outside, one who clicks and two others distribute ballots. This has been the procedure through my four days of volunteering.

When I got home that night, I immediately pulled out my green International Film Festival catalog and read all the synopses beginning with 12:08 East of Bucharest and ending with Zoo. I did end up seeing 12:08 East of Bucharest which I thought was an average film, a satire of sorts where the characters’ dialog was lackluster, not inspiring. I didn’t quite understand all the punch lines in a different tongue. The crowd roared, but I shook my head and thought, “I don’t’ get it.”

The following day, which was St. Patrick’s Day, I did decide to see A Map for Saturday because of all the favorable comments the previous evening. I want to see for my self what the buzz was about. I realized, however, there will be thousands of people with green faces and badly designed costumes that shouldn’t be seen by any one outside the home. The film was already on “stand-by” which I proceeded to get a white slip of paper, I was number 52. The stand-by line is an excellent way to talk with other film buffs and find out what films they enjoy. Entered the theater to the second row, last seat on the end. I needed to rest my head on the back of the chair to obtain the best viewpoint as possible. The film was superb. I was engaged the moment the film opened with close-up footage of his coworkers to the majestic scenery of Australia and Europe to the poverty in India. The basic premise of a TV producer, Brook Silva-Braga leaves his well-paid job to embark on a turbulent one-year adventure across the country with backpack and video equipment in tow. Every day is Saturday when you travel the world. I agree with other critics, the film is brilliantly edited, scripted, and bringing important issues to the forefront such as the Thai tsunami, where he visits a small island of PiPi and how they handled the aftermath. Foreigners’ political viewpoints are also expressed on signs and verbally about Americans and war.

What constitute his talent are the numerous people he encounters and how they impact his adventure. Silva-Braga expertly conducted the Q and A afterwards answering such questions as, “where will you travel next?” Africa “Do you still get $100.00 hair cuts?” No! I highly recommend this film, which is my understanding will be showing on HBO soon. I can also recommend The Hip Hop Project which was runner up for audience choice award for best film along with Silva-Braga; and “Aviva My Love” from Israel. The winner for the 2007 International Film Festival was Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life which I have not had the opportunity to see.

I ended the Film Festival with a total count of eight films which is a small sampling compared to some pass holders who probably see thirty. Regardless, what I will treasure most concerning this volunteering experience are the many, interesting people and conversations I have had where we all have a similar interest, the love for film. A senior couple said it best, “We are professional volunteers.” Get out there film fans, and join me next year for the 2008 International Film Festival, March 27-April 6.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Toni J. Chanakas tchanakasAThotmail.com (:divend:)