close menu open menu

About

Out On Screen proudly showcases films that illuminate transformative moments in the lives of queer, trans, and two-spirit people — telling the stories of the journeys we’ve taken to find ourselves, each other and our place in the world. Every time we take a seat at the Festival or in an Out In Schools presentation, we experience the difference we’re making: creating social change through film, education and dialogue. We lead courageously, think strategically and work together with committed partners to foster belonging, affirmation and connections within our community and with other social movements. We are honoured to celebrate you and to celebrate with you the unique, strong and splendid queer communities in Vancouver and beyond that make us who we are.

Out On Screen

The mission

To illuminate, celebrate and advance queer lives through film, education and dialogue.

The vision

An equitable society where gender and sexual diversity thrives.

The values

Art: we value art as critical to vibrant communities, as an interpretive medium to communicate complex ideas, and as an empathetic tool for change. Fun and celebration: we value joyful and uplifting shared experiences. Respect and equitable inclusion: we value the removal of barriers and the creation of platforms for a diversity of stories, voices and identities. Community engagement: we value shared experiences and partnerships to create dialogue and foster community. We value a community that feels included and invested in our work and programs. Intersectionality, anti-oppression, and social justice: we value the expression and practice of I, A-O and SJ in queer communities, arts and education.

The Vancouver Queer Film Festival

The Festival is a vibrant space for queer arts, culture, and community. It showcases dynamic and thought-provoking films from British Columbian filmmakers as well as other Canadian and international directors and storytellers. The Festival curates films which contextualize and celebrate queer lives and experiences and prioritize foregrounding diverse identities in our communities, including narratives from trans people, queer people of colour, and Indigenous people. It is Western Canada’s largest queer arts event.

Our efforts

We produce an internationally recognized 11 day Queer Film Festival in August each year that is a leader in accessibility and films that showcase stories least heard in society. This year the Festival is celebrating its 31st anniversary with increased programming and a special birthday dance party. Troublemakers 4.0 returns with new stories about the contributions of our local queer elders, told by young people.

The results

The Vancouver Queer Film Festival elevates the profile of queer artists by programming immersive films, thought-provoking panels, and captivating events.

Out In Schools

Media is a powerful tool to catalyse inclusion for all sexual orientations and gender identities. Out In Schools uses film and facilitated group discussion to inform young people, educators and others of the negative impacts of discrimination. Out In Schools creates safe spaces where young people in British Columbia thrive by providing the language and tools for inclusion.

Our efforts

Out In Schools works closely with school districts, educators, counsellors and students to facilitate inspiring workshops tailored to the needs of each school. We collaborate with school districts and the BC Teachers Federation to deliver presentations throughout British Columbia. Out In Schools educates corporate teams, government ministries, parents, and politicians to create greater social change.

The results

Out In Schools has reached more than 100,000 young people. We have visited 55 of British Columbia’s 60 school districts. Out In Schools actually reduces bullying in schools.

Our Commitment to Indigenous Peoples of this Land

Out On Screen acknowledges that we have existed on the unceded traditional and ancestral territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations since 1988. Out On Screen recognises the governance authority of these Nations for their shared territories and seeks to abide by their time-honoured protocols.

Being predominantly settlers and immigrants to this land from many diverse backgrounds, we recognise that we have much to learn, as well as an ongoing responsibility to share our collective histories and contribute to changing the oppression perpetuated by colonialism, even today. Reconciling past injustice, and strengthening shared understanding and awareness of history, is vital to both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. We believe in the value of truth telling and working toward good relationships so we can be a queer arts organisation that celebrates, illuminates and advances the lives of all queer people, including queer, trans and two-spirit indigenous people.

Two-spirit people encompass the myriad of gender and sexual identities prevalent in indigenous societies. They were once respected as fundamental and valued members of many indigenous cultures and societies. In the wake of colonisation in North America, two-spirit people and their traditional roles have often been erased, diminished, and displaced. We believe in contributing to a society where two-spirit people are honoured, respected and celebrated for their traditional and contemporary roles, which are supported by wider society.

As a queer non-profit organisation whose strategic shared vision includes the values of intersectionality, anti-oppression, social justice, respect, and equitable inclusivity, Out On Screen is committed to meaningfully participating in reconciliation, decolonisation, and being in right relations with two-spirit and indigenous people of this land. We believe in contributing to a process that forges and maintains respectful relationships and makes space for the centering of indigenous communities, knowledge, legal systems, and ways of being.

We realise this is a journey, not a destination; and it will be a journey defined and judged by our actions, not simply our words. We invite others to join us, support us and hold us accountable. We are as strong as our community.

To view our updated commitment and work plan, please see our 2018 Annual Report (pages 4-5).

A Brief History

1988 – The first iteration of what we know today as the Vancouver Queer Film Festival was held as a small film festival among friends. 1989 – Out On Screen becomes an official non-profit society and the first Vancouver Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is launched! 1993 – Out On Screen receives its first form of government funding with a casino license through BC Gaming. 1996 – Out On Screen is one of the first in the world to adopt the more inclusive “queer” title becoming the “Vancouver Queer Film and Video Festival” and in 2006, the “Vancouver Queer Film Festival.” 1998 – The Queer Video Production Scholarships are launched and 36 films are made over the next six years thanks to this video-training program! 2002 – The BC Film Classification Office (FCO) attempts to shut down the festival’s Opening Gala film “Little Sister’s vs Big Brother” which chronicled the late Jim Deva’s battles with the government over censorship. Fortunately, Out On Screen’s dedicated membership rallied and thwarted this ironic censorship attempt and the show went on! 2004 – Out in Schools is launched as a pilot project with presentations in six high schools in Vancouver and Burnaby. 2006 – REAL Women of Canada launches a smear campaign against the festival, claiming that only “mad hatters” attend this “waste of taxpayers’ money.” Once again, the membership at Out On Screen rallies against hateful discrimination and the festival lives on, louder and prouder than before. 2008 – Out On Screen celebrates 20 years in Vancouver and hosts a legendary and risque bathhouse party. 2011 – Celebrate Queer Vancouver engages 68 Canadian artists through film commissions and community art. Out On Screen celebrates by installing Celebrate Queer Vancouver plaques throughout the city to create a legacy of queer visibility. 2012 – Rise Against Homophobia youth video contest goes national! Youth from across the country submit their anti-bullying films proving that “Hate is not a Canadian Value.” 2013 – Out On Screen celebrates 25 years of illuminating queer lives. 2014 – In a year of groundbreaking cinema, over 50% of the festival’s feature programs are helmed by women. Not only that, these directors are aboriginal, transgender, and women of colour – intersecting identities that are the least common in above-the-line credits. 2017 – Out in Schools reaches over 60,000 students in schools across BC and beyond. 2018 – Out On Screen celebrates 30 years in Vancouver.

Meet the Team

Brandon Yan  甄念本

Brandon Yan 甄念本

Interim Executive Director

Brandon has collaborated with the Ministry of Education, BC Teachers' Federation, UBC Faculty of Education, and the ARC Foundation to address the needs of LGBT2Q+ youth through policies and practices that foster inclusive and more supportive school environments. Growing up as a mixed-race queer kid in Langley, he never saw role models who looked like him on TV or in film, and if he did they were never queer. If they were queer, they were never Asian. Brandon understands that representation of diverse and complex intersecting identities is important, and it is this conviction and his experience as a activist, advocate, and educator that led him run for Vancouver city council in 2018. Though he didn't win, it brought forward important conversations on representation, race, sexuality, and politics.

Anoushka Ratnarajah

Anoushka Ratnarajah

Artistic Director

Anoushka Ratnarajah is mixed race, queer femme of Sri Lankan and British ancestry, and an interdisciplinary and transnational artist and arts organizer. She has worked as a producer, performer, writer, facilitator and arts organizer with cultural and arts organizations in Vancouver, Montreal and New York. Anoushka is invested in creating and supporting work that shines a light on histories and contemporary stories that are underrepresented in mainstream film, theatre and performance. Anoushka has been a fellow with The Hemispheric Institute for Performance and Politics and Voices of Our Nation Arts. She has a BFA in Creative Writing and a BA in Women's and Gender Studies from the University of British Columbia and an MA in Arts Politics from NYU.

Sam Snobelen

Sam Snobelen

Development Director

After completing his Master’s Degree in Theatre Studies at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Sam Snobelen picked up an advanced arts and entertainment management certificate from Capilano University and promptly cut his fundraising teeth as the sponsorship and events officer of Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. Sam has always been passionate about disseminating art and engaging people in creative work. He is excited to be working with one of Vancouver’s premiere queer arts organisations in a capacity which allows him to see high caliber films and to support work with which he personally connects.

Gavin K Somers

Gavin K Somers

Out In Schools Program Manager

Gavin joined the Out in Schools team first as a facilitator in 2014. In supporting organizational growth, Gavin stepped into the Program Coordinator role and is now excited to continue working with Out in Schools as the Program Manager.

Passionate about the power of storytelling, Gavin is a writer, musician and artist.

Gavin captivates audiences with humour and kindness; compelling others to engage in the act of self-reflection for communal growth with the goal of moving towards social equity.

In their spare time, Gavin escapes the city, and nourishes new/old relationships.

Harriet Midgley

Harriet Midgley

Marketing Manager

Harriet is a writer and communications specialist from Jersey in the Channel Islands. She studied International Relations and Journalism in Liverpool before moving to the unceded Coast Salish Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples in early 2016. Her drive as Out On Screen’s Marketing Manager comes from the talented people she works with, and the community we collectively support.

Alongside her work at OOS, Harriet has a freelance communications business and jewellery company. She is passionate about education, spending some of her time tutoring academic English and volunteering for Big Sisters.

Piper Fawkes

Piper Fawkes

Operations Manager

Piper is a queer nonbinary femme who thrives on any opportunity to organize the thing. Having a background in technical theatre and the arts, Piper has always dabbled in their own artistic practice and helped support others in creating meaningful, connective, and unapologetically expressive art.

Not one to step onto the stage, Piper will always be behind the scenes to support, organize, and help those around them achieve their goals. Introverted yet passionate, quiet and also melodramatic, Piper loves to be the sunny firecracker behind the scenes.

Miranda Rutty

Miranda Rutty

Out In Schools Coordinator

Miranda is a mixed race, queer, femme born and raised on the unceded Coast Salish Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

Miranda has been dedicated to equity based facilitation since 2010. Since early 2017, she has been a facilitator for Out In Schools. After a brief stint as the program assistant for Out In Schools, she is excited to be stepping into the role of program coordinator.

At home she is visual artist and retired poet, a meme connoisseur, as well as a loving cat parent. By night, Miranda is an ASL student at Vancouver Community College.

Keara Lightning

Keara Lightning

Out In Schools Indigenous Program Lead

Keara is a Cree-Irish femme from Samson Cree Nation, raised on Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territories in Ontario.
Keara graduated from Trent University in Indigenous Environmental Studies.

She has been involved in fossil fuel divestment campaigns, served as a board member of Toronto350.org and as a member of the activist research collective RadLab. She has organized and facilitated workshops with community groups and youth programs on environmental science and Indigenous knowledge. She has published poetry in the anthology Unsettling Activisms.

In her spare time, Keara loves gardening, writing, crafting and beading jewelry. She is always on the lookout for the next project.

Parker McLean

Parker McLean

Manager, Corporate Partnerships

Born and burnished in Langley, BC, Parker's no stranger to the significance of queer (in)visibility on young peoples' lives. Leaving conservative constraints squarely behind, Parker moved out (to come out) at seventeen and has been exploring identity and building community ever since.

Drawing from a multicoloured background in linguistics, design, commerce and strategy, Parker's approach to corporate partnerships is unique in its entrepreneurial perspective. Inspired to close the emotional gap between institutions and the queer causes they support, Parker excitedly joined Out on Screen in spring 2020.

As a white cis gay man, Parker's humbly grateful for (and deeply challenged by) the system of colonial privilege he's operated within since birth. With his head in the clouds and feet on the ground, Parker's happiest with rain in his hair and a dog by his side.

Nya Lewis

Nya Lewis

Program Coordinator

Nya Lewis is a queer femme with proud Torontonian and Trinidadian roots. She is an activist and community organizer with a focus on building just and inclusive cultural and social infrastructure in Vancouver. Winner of the 2019 Canadian Inspirit Social Change award, and now in pursuit of a MFA in Curatorial studies, her work bridges art, communication and public service. Moved by the goal of equitable access to art and diverse stories in Vancouver, she is the Founder and Director of BlackArt Gastown and contributing curator at UBC Museum of Anthropology working to decolonize the African collections. A writer committed to representing QPOC, her work celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black Canadian culture, history and its diversity.

Susie He

Susie He

Volunteer Coordinator

Susie is a queer, Chinese-Canadian settler passionate about migration issues, urban placemaking, and design justice. Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Susie moved to Vancouver to pursue an Honours in Human Geography at the University of British Columbia. She is invested in using urban planning, design and storytelling to uplift marginalized communities. She spends her time volunteering at the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC, taking care of her house plants, and working on various DIY and art projects.

Tajliya Jamal

Tajliya Jamal

Outreach and Events Coordinator

Tajliya is an illustrator and printmaker, and has recently earned her BFA at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Being queer and of mixed-race with Indian and Chinese heritage, much of her art practice centres around stories of (in)visibility and vulnerability. These works often take form in illustration and comics, and aim to create empathetic dialogue around race and othering.

Tajliya is grateful to have had multiple internships with local arts organizations, and to join the Out On Screen team. She is excited to engage and collaborate with diverse communities, and of course watch lots of queer film!

Jessica Somers

Jessica Somers

Bookkeeper

Jessica Somers is founder of Cordova Street Consulting, a CPA firm working to change the landscape of tax advising from a black box to an open conversation. Jessica approaches clients from a perspective of knowledge sharing, outreach, and taking the stress and mystery out of tax and accounting!

Jessica also serves as treasurer on the board of several non-profits in Vancouver including: Reel Causes, Yoga Outreach, and Room Magazine.

When not crunching numbers, Jessica enjoys swing dancing, watching thought-provoking films, and drinking beer in East Van.

Catherine Wong

Catherine Wong

Board chair

Catherine J. Wong is a Vancouver based family law and criminal defence lawyer. A large part of her practice focuses on assisting clients from the LGBTQ2S+ communities in British Columbia. Prior to opening her own law practice, she was a Federal Crown prosecutor and completed her articles at the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association. Catherine obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario. She holds a LL.B. from the University of British Columbia and completed her Masters in Human Rights from the London School of Economics. Serving on the Board of Out on Screen continues to be one of the most rewarding and inspirational experiences she has ever had.

Lori Macintosh

Lori Macintosh

Vice Chair

Lori is an educator, dog lover and media enthusiast. Prior to returning to Vancouver to complete her graduate work in Educational Studies, Lori lived and worked in Chicago and Seattle as a IT procurement manager, IT project manager, and HIV outreach coordinator/ curriculum writer. She credits her current love of teaching to this circuitous career path. Having worked with and developed an abiding love for Out in Schools, Lori looks forward to life as an Out On Screen Board Member.

Rudolph Korompis

Rudolph Korompis

Treasurer

Rudolph is an Audit Manager currently working at Rolfe Benson LLP with several years of experience in providing assurance and taxation services to not-for-profit organizations and private companies. He loves cats, interior design, video games, and snowboarding. He is honoured to be a member of the Board of Directors.

Melanie Matining

Melanie Matining

Secretary

Melanie Matining is a queer Filipinx settler living and working on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) territories. As a consultant, her work focuses on racial equity, inclusion, and community-determined accessibility in the workplace through operative systems and processes. In the past, she was known to activate queer activist spaces and cut a rug on queer sweaty dance floors as the Community Engagement Manager at Heartwood Community and the Co-Founder and Co-Organizer of dance parties such as Denim Vest. Melanie walks everyday in love and liberation alongside communities working towards queer rights, Indigenous solidarity, and migrant justice.

Chad Clark

Chad Clark

Development liaison

Coming from a background that includes a Bachelor of Vocal Performance from the University of Toronto, Chad is a hospitality industry professional who is most recognized for his role as Director of Operation for the Hawksworth Restaurant Group. Chad loves Vancouver and has many years of service on boards with the Vancouver Recital Society, Vancouver Opera, and the CANFAR Legacy Foundation. His goal is to continually enhance Vancouver culture and community by serving as an ambassador for the arts and valuable social organizations such as Out in Schools. He is husband to the man of his dreams, Matt Corker, and is passionate about family and community. In his spare time, you will find Chad running, biking or swimming his way across an Ironman or marathon finish line somewhere in the world.

Gerhard Maynard

Gerhard Maynard

Board liaison

Gerhard L. Maynard works as an Organizational Development Consultant with Community Living British Columbia. As an HR professional he collaborates with leaders to translate business strategies into actions driving results through people. With a strong background in non-profit management, team development, conflict resolution, and labour relations, he brings a wealth of experience over the last fifteen years working in Senior Leadership positions in the private, public, and social-profit sector. He is excited and humbled to be part of the Out on Screen Board of Directors. A competitive curler and an avid dance and musical theatre consumer--he's excited to be part of "Advancing, celebrating, and illuminating queer lives through film education and dialogue.

Aimee Beauchamp

Aimee Beauchamp

Director at large

Aimee is ‎Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, French, and South American and is working towards learning more about her family history and traditions as a way of decolonizing. She grew up on the unceded territory of the Sto:lo people in Chilliwack, but currently lives and works on Coast Salish Territory in Vancouver. She holds a B.Ed and an MCP, and uses this education to blend Traditional healing practices and ways of knowing with westernized therapeutic methods. Aimee is a two-spirit woman and spends much of her professional and personal time working to create safer spaces for LGBTQ youth. She has worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector for over 5 years, involving herself in decolonization initiatives, youth sexual health projects, and anti-oppressive campaigns.

Michelle Wilson

Michelle Wilson

Director at large

Michelle Wilson is an ally, artist, and art director in the field of communications. Since her daughter – Tru Wilson – came out as transgender at the age of 9, Michelle and her family have become avid advocates for trans rights. They are active supporters of SOGI 123, and Michelle often speaks publicly to share her story as a parent and reinforce the importance of supporting your children. Michelle is currently the VP of Creative Strategy at NATIONAL Public Relations in Vancouver, and is also a member of the Board for GDay. Michelle is proud to be a new member of the Board of Directors of Out On Screen and contribute to the tremendous and creative work they are already doing.

Christopher Hallamore

Christopher Hallamore

Director at large

Christopher (Chris) Hallamore is an HR professional with over 20 years' experience in labour & employee relations, workforce analytics, strategic workforce planning, organization design, and professional coaching. He has worked at BC Hydro for over 11 years, and is also the co-founder and co-chair of the BC Hydro Pride Network, an employee resource group for BC Hydro's LGBT2Q+ employees & contractors. When he's not working, Chris can often be found in a swimming pool: Chris is a Masters Swimmer, and has swam, coached, and volunteered with five of Canada's queer swim teams. Chris's love of diverse queer stories first brought him to Out on Screen in 2008, and he has returned as a hard core Festie every year since then.

Orene Askew

Orene Askew

Director at large

Orene AKA DJ O Show is Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Afro-Canadian and was born, raised, and grew up in North Vancouver on the Eslha7an Reserve. She is currently one of the youngest elected members on Squamish Nation Council and is a Spokesperson. Orene holds a Diploma in Technology from BCIT for Radio and is working towards her Degree in Business Administration. Orene is also a Motivational Speaker for Indigenous Youth across the continent spreading the message that any dream can become reality. Orene is a two-spirit woman who advocates for more inclusion for her people in Vancouver, especially members of the LGBTQ+2 community. In her personal time she likes to mentor youth in DJing, Public speaking, and Entrepreneurship. Orene is a firm believer in being the person she needed when she was younger and being apart of change in her community.

Work with us

Executive Director

Out On Screen is currently accepting applications for an experienced Executive Director with strong people leadership and advocacy skills, as well as experience with non-profit organizations and the LGBT2Q+ community. This is an opportunity to lead a growing organization whose mission is to illuminate, celebrate, and advance queer lives through film, education, and dialogue.

Out On Screen in Vancouver, BC is currently accepting applications for an experienced Executive Director with strong people leadership and advocacy skills, as well as experience with non-profit organizations and the LGBT2Q+ community. This is an opportunity to lead a growing organization whose mission is to illuminate, celebrate, and advance queer lives through film, education, and dialogue. Out On Screen currently delivers on their mission with two core programs: their annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival and their award winning education program Out In Schools.

The ideal candidate has exceptional people leadership and business skills and is able to lead, support, and collaborate with staff while advancing the aims of the organization. The Executive Director is able to make decisions and implement decisions in a diverse and political environment. They effectively build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, corporations, and non-profit organizations to grow awareness in the community and diversify the donor base. The ideal candidate embraces professionalism, has an entrepreneurial drive, and understands how to support and grow an organization while managing change.
The ideal candidate will have leadership experience with non-profit organizations, as well as familiarity and experience with the LGBT2Q+ community. They must be an emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and collaborative leader with a strong vision. They must also have a strong interest in engaging and building relationships/partnerships with the community,
stakeholders, and other organizations. Please see the full Opportunity Brief for more information about this opportunity and Out On Screen.

Position Responsibilities

This position is responsible for ensuring quality events, programs, and services through strategic leadership, collaborative and supportive people management, and oversight in the following areas:

  • Advancing the Strategic Direction, Workplace Culture, and Stakeholder Relations
  • Philanthropic Cultivation and Stewardship
  • Strategic Community Relations
  • Financial Integrity
  • Strategic Planning
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Reporting to the Board, Board Relationship and Collaboration

Please review the Job Description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications & Competencies

Education

  • A degree in social justice, business, non-profit management, or equivalent experience.

Experience and Competencies

  • 5 to 7 years of professional experience in a leadership role working in complex
    environments and serving diverse communities, including the LGBT2Q+ community
  • Strong understanding of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles, as well as anti-
    oppression and social justice frameworks, and an ability to communicate those
    effectively
  • Ability to galvanize people both within the organization and within the community
  • Exceptional people leadership skills
  • Strong skills implementing a fund development strategy
  • Strong financial management and budgeting skills
  • Strong coaching and mentoring skills
  • Strong change management skills and experience/understanding of systemic change
  • Excellent conflict management and de-escalation skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Skills and experience with trauma-informed workplaces
  • Ability to set boundaries effectively and kindly
  • Strong, proactive, and sensitive HR competencies
  • Strong understanding of governance and experience reporting to or working closely with a Board of Directors
  • Ability to adapt management style to diverse staff
  • Ability to implement operations and decisions in a political environment

Compensation & Benefits

The Executive Director position receives a comprehensive compensation package that includes a salary range of $80,000 to $110,000, extended health benefits, and access to wellness and professional development funds.

How to Apply

This search is conducted by Realize Strategies. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume in one PDF document to https://realizestrategies.ca/job-opportunities/oos-executive-director/.

For more information about this position, including a full role description and opportunity brief, please visit realizestrategies.ca/opportunities or contact Alison Marshall or Gillian Harper at 604.718.8292.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted by June 7, 2020. All applications will be kept in strict confidence. Out On Screen has a special concern with the equitable participation and advancement of members of groups that have traditionally been disadvantaged in employment. Women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of colour), persons with diverse abilities, and persons from diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expression are encouraged to apply.

Out On Screen thanks all applicants for their interest in this position.

Front of House

Volunteer Position

About the position

You love interacting with the public and have a friendly and helpful manner. Our Front of House Volunteers are the first people our patrons meet when they arrive at a venue. You make the Festival experience fun and friendly.

Job description

  • Greeters welcome patrons and help guide them to the Box Office, Passholder, or Membership tables.
  • Ushers check that everyone has their pass slip or ticket and membership for the film and direct patrons to the appropriate lines. Once the film has finished, you will also assist staff to ensure all patrons leave safely and have everything the need.
  • Accessibility Volunteers will be on the lookout for people who need assistance accessing seats or other aids while waiting for a film to start. Working with Festival staff, you will also arrange for these patrons to enter the theatre first.
  • Ticket Takers scan tickets and ensure everyone arriving is at the appropriate venue and screening time.

Box Office and Membership

Volunteer Position

About the position

You love interacting with the public and have a penchant for accurate cash handling. These roles assist our Box Office Cashiers and oversee Membership sales which are crucial to our Society. Accuracy is of utmost importance. You are able to guarantee that the guests have a great experience at your table and leave with enthusiasm for the upcoming film!

Job description

  • Will Call volunteers help connect patrons with their pre-purchased tickets and passes, making sure that everyone has what they need to enjoy the Festival.
  • Membership volunteers ensure patrons get the proper membership tier (Adult or Youth), and are responsible for counting and balancing the floats and daily cash sales.
  • Passholder volunteers will hand passholders their screening slip(s) and ensure some of our most frequent visitors have a positive experience at the Festival.

Parties and Events

Volunteer Position

About the position

You love parties and event planning. Everyone still talks about how you moved that theme party to the park next door after a neighbour complained. You’re a problem solver and you’re not afraid to get dirty for an awesome final product. This position requires physical labour.

Job description

  • Event Volunteers help to make sure our parties and special events go off without a hook. You’re a people person who’s willing to pour drinks, pass nibbles, and make sure folks have a good time.
  • Set Up or Strike Volunteers roll up their sleeves to do the heavy lifting. They do the work behind the scenes to roll out the red carpets and sweep up after a good night out.
  • Volunteer Drivers get folks from Point A to Point B, keeping the Festival mobile and helping us reach all corners of our communities. If you’ve ever dreamed of being an Uber driver, this spot’s for you!

Street Team

Volunteer Position

About the position

You’re naturally outgoing, excited about the Festival, and love meeting new people. You’re not afraid to be loud, sill, and maybe even a bit foolish. Extroverts to the front of the line! This position requires physical labour.

Job description

  • Street Team members create a visible presence for the Festival and Out On Screen throughout our communities.
  • You’re eager to get out and share our story at places like Vancouver Pride, East Side Pride, the Dyke March, Car Free Days, and other special events.
  • During the Festival, you will be support our promotional efforts by dropping off flyers at clubs, chalking sidewalks, and helping to keep our Festival Guide locations well stocked.

Photographer

Volunteer Position

About the position

You believe in the power of representation and sharing stories through images. Capturing queer lives is something you’re passionate about. You have your own camera equipment and have some experience photographing events. Your role is to ensure the memories of our amazing festival live on.

Job description

  • Photographers’ overall goal is to capture the event in full, from wide photos where we see the event in its entirety, to mediums of people attending, to close-ups of the small details.
  • This is a great way to get experience photographing dynamic, interesting community events with lots of people.
  • All photos taken can be used in your portfolio.