Looking to beat the winter blues before they happen? 

The Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) team is preparing a unique program titled “wintering: films for a quiet season” — and it needs volunteers to review films and help set things up in early November.

RPFF is a community-based, charitable organization that runs Toronto’s longest-running, free film festival, as well as year-round programming in the heart of Regent Park, like “Under the Stars” summer screenings.

With the warm, park-worthy days behind us, RPFF announced “wintering,” which it describes as an opportunity to “come together around films, conversation, food and the simple pleasure of gathering as the days grow shorter; a smaller, slower space to watch closely, talk at length and enjoy each other’s company.”

While the full line-up of films and events hasn’t been shared yet, you can check out what’s announced so far here and maybe even help bring it to life by volunteering.

RPFF put out a call to film lovers,  seasoned volunteers or just folks looking to meet like-minded people. If that’s you, you can fill out an interest form or reach out to volunteer@rpff.ca to learn more.

Tasks and shift times vary, so there’ll be something for you to do no matter your schedule and willingness to contribute.

RPFF staff typically host an orientation session to brief volunteers on everything they need to know. Once you’re on the roster, you can help with more than just “wintering” as the organization hosts a yearly film festival and other programming. 

I volunteered to poster for last year’s film festival, and had a great time getting to know Regent Park and adjacent neighbourhoods. I also helped out on the day of a screening, meeting other volunteers, watching some films myself and giving back to my local community. I found RPFF’s team friendly and accommodating, always making sure volunteers have a good experience.

If you end up volunteering with RPFF, or just watching some films, let us know in the comments or by emailing me at yara@thegreenline.to. If you’re a film nerd, check out this list of local festivals with an international flair — some are still happening and might need volunteers too.