Milwaukee Film Volunteer Program

What, How, and Why

As a nonprofit, Milwaukee Film relies on dedicated volunteers. Without them, our world-class film festival, year-round events, and other programming simply wouldn’t be possible. Volunteers help in all facets of our organization throughout the year.

You might help at the Milwaukee Film office, promote our events around town as part of our Street Team, or support our theater team welcoming patrons at the Oriental or Downer Theatre.

Volunteer opportunities come up sporadically throughout the year, but each spring we need a small army of volunteers to make the Milwaukee Film Festival run smoothly (in 2026, April 16-30).

How?

To become a Milwaukee Film volunteer, fill out the application through our online scheduler, Timecounts. You’ll be able to join teams, view our calendar, and sign up for shifts (once they are posted). As the festival approaches, we will provide more opportunities to get involved.

Why?

We feel like this should be an easy one, but if you love Milwaukee Film and you love the community, it just makes sense. Did we mention the perks?

Interested?

Click Here to Volunteer

Ready to apply? Click here to get started.

Download the Volunteer Handbook

Review the 2025 Volunteer Handbook – 2026 edition coming soon!

Download

Questions?

Need more information about volunteering with Milwaukee Film? Reach out!

Perks

The feeling of knowing you help our work happen is probably enough, we know, but volunteering also earns you some perks:

T-Shirt

Each volunteer will receive one Milwaukee Film Festival volunteer t-shirt

Appreciation Screening

All Festival volunteers who complete one shift will receive one invitation to the MFF Volunteer Appreciation Screening

Vouchers

Each shift you work earns one volunteer voucher. Vouchers can be exchanged for tickets to regularly priced Festival films (MFF or Dialogues) and select cinema screenings, depending on individual ticket availability. Vouchers cannot be used for private screenings (such as the Super Secret Members-Only Screening), premium-priced screenings and events (Opening Night, etc.), or some cinema offerings due to distributor restrictions on comps.

Memberships

25 hours volunteered = Single Festival Fan Membership
40 hours volunteered = Dual Festival Fan Membership

I love the camaraderie that is so evident between volunteers and staff at every Mke Film event, and that energy carries through so palpably to the member experience. We love to be surrounded by people who love film just as much as we do!

Milwaukee Film Volunteer & Member

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a required training or orientation for new volunteers?

We host an in-person orientation session prior to the Festival (for new volunteers and anyone else who wants a refresher). If you can’t make it, we share resources prior to your first shift to read and there will be a staff member on site to orient you. Plus, a gaggle of experienced, long-time volunteers will make you feel welcomed!

Can I volunteer for special events, premieres, or film festivals without committing to a long-term schedule?

Yes! Our volunteer scheduling tool, Timecounts, makes it easy to select the opportunities that are right for you. We post shifts throughout the year, though the bulk of our need happens during the annual Milwaukee Film Festival each spring.