Meet the AIFF Volunteer Team!
With the 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival just around the corner, our Volunteer Department has started to recruit film lovers from the community to join the team! Get to know our 2024 Volunteer Manager and Coordinator, a dynamic duo who are excited to meet you.
Pat Laba
Volunteer Manager
What's your favourite movie?
This question is ESSENTIALLY impossible. It's like asking a frog what its favourite insect is. I'll give a quick three that I've seen recently which have stuck in my brain: Hundreds of Beavers, The People's Joker and Poor Things.
What do you do outside of the festival?
Outside the festival, I spend my time freelance writing and helping out on various film productions! I also bake a bunch -- I have a gluten allergy and a MEAN sweet tooth, so I've had to create my own baked goods to enjoy!
Favourite element of Volunteering?
Meeting people who are as enthusiastic as I am to help put on an amazing festival experience! Volunteers are the backbone of any successful production, and every year the volunteers at AIFF have maintained such high quality work!
Hopes for this year's Atlantic International Film Festival?
I'm hoping we get a big, diverse crowd to take in the festival's big, diverse selection of films and events.
What movie are you most looking forward to this summer?
Ohhhhh boy! There's this movie coming out soon with Nic Cage (who I absolutely adore) called Longlegs. It looks terrifying. I'm really stoked for that one. Also, MaXXXine -- the third entry to Ti West's horror trilogy -- is coming out soon and I can't wait for that one! So many! Movies rule!
Meg Gilhespy
Volunteer Coordinator
What's your favourite movie?
I love any movie with Paul Giamatti - but my favourite movie is definitely Sideways! Sandra Oh beats a man with a motorcycle helmet in wine country - what more could you want!
What do you do outside of the festival?
Outside the festival I'm a musician and academic. I also have a puppy named Jo, so a lot of my time is spent throwing balls.
Favourite element of Volunteering?
I love meeting new people! I'm from BC, so I always love an opportunity to make new friends and connections in Halifax.
Hopes for this year's Atlantic International Film Festival?
I hope that I get to discover a new film genre at the festival this year!
What movie are you most looking forward to this summer?
I can't wait for Twisters! I love disaster films and adored the first one.
Do you Love Film, Community, and Fun?
Applications are open to join our fantastic team of volunteers. Benefits can include film vouchers and an online shorts pass, as well as free Halifax Transit during the eight days of the festival, which runs from September 11 – 18. Help us with box office, registration, front of house, production assistance, transportation and more! Learn more.