Volunteer Opportunities
The CMG Short Film Festival is organized and staffed by volunteers. We welcome people who want to help produce and present the Festival, and people interested in serving on the Selection Committee or Jury.
Festival Production and Presentation
Most volunteers work on the practical side of the Festival: producing, promoting, and presenting the programs on screen.
The CMG Short Film Festival is built almost entirely by volunteers, and the festival's lineup of short films from LGBTQ filmmakers around the world is only possible because community members give their time. People who want to help produce and present the festival are welcome, as are those interested in serving on the Selection Committee or Jury, roles that help shape which films are screened and honored with awards. Participation is open to newcomers and experienced film professionals alike, with opportunities to contribute before, during, and after the event.
Most volunteers work on the practical side of festival production, helping to promote and present the programs shown on screen. Tasks can include organizing premiere events, supporting filmmakers attending from out of town, assisting with venue setup and screening logistics in Santa Monica and West Hollywood, and helping guests navigate passes, schedules, and box office details. Because the organization is all-volunteer, every task directly affects the viewing experience for attendees, from ticket check-in to the closing awards presentation where outstanding films in the lineup are recognized.
In the weeks before the festival, certain skills become especially valuable, and volunteers who bring them can make a strong contribution. Areas that often need extra help include social media promotion, graphic design and print materials, event planning, technical audio and video assistance, and writing or editing for festival communications. Familiarity with documentary production, short film post-production, or community outreach can also be useful. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to share their experience and interests so organizers can match skills with the needs of each festival season.
Volunteering offers a way to connect with the local LGBTQ filmmaking community and to help independent filmmakers reach audiences who genuinely care about their stories. The festival gathers hundreds of submissions each year and screens many of them in curated programs, including documentaries and narrative shorts, so behind-the-scenes work has an immediate impact on the final lineup. Anyone who wants to be part of a welcoming, collaborative production, gain hands-on experience in film festival operations, and support local and international filmmakers is invited to get in touch and learn where help is needed.
Pre-festival skills we are looking for
Especially valuable in the weeks before the Festival are people who bring the following skills or assets:
Design and Media
- Graphic design
- Photojournalism
- Social media development
Production
- Film editing
- Trailer producer
On the Ground
- Vehicle for pickups and drop-offs
- Personable and willing to help distribute materials
Day of event volunteer posts
Volunteer positions are also open for the festival days themselves, with posts tied to specific program times. Program schedules and times are published with each year's lineup.
| Area | Typical contributions |
|---|---|
| Pre-festival production | Graphic design, photojournalism, editing, trailer production, social media |
| Materials and logistics | Distributing materials, pickups and drop-offs |
| Program posts | Program-specific volunteer shifts on festival days |
| Selection Committee & Jury | Film review and deliberation |
There are plenty of opportunities well in advance of the festival dates, so please get in touch early if you would like to take a more highly involved role.
Review the festival lineup for an idea of the films on screen.
Selection Committee and Jury
Alongside production and presentation, the Festival welcomes volunteers who serve on the Selection Committee or the Jury. These roles review submitted short films as part of the programming process.
To be considered for the Selection Committee or Jury, email the Festival with a short biography and a statement of interest. For jurors, a brief biography helps us understand your background — the 2017 film lineup page offers examples of the kind of introduction we are looking for.
Send your materials to cmgfilmfest@cmgfilmfest.net. If you reach out through the form, you can expect a reply within 48–72 hours.
Ready to lend a hand?
Tell us which area interests you and what skills you bring, and we will follow up about how you can help with the Festival.