For the past eight years, thousands of film lovers have descended on Columbia and participated in a weekend of live music, zero sleep and truly exceptional films during the True/False Film Fest.
This event would not be possible without the people that work between the truths and lies. Local volunteers are needed every year to accommodate the moviegoers as well as to set up and tear down.
“Volunteers start applying in November,” says Callie Lockhart, assistant box office manager. “They are put where they are needed based on their previous skills, availability and overall interest.”
The volunteer system is divided into two different groups depending on the availability of the workers.
“Volunteers do everything,” Lockhart says. “Tech, music, artists, run venues, help with venue design, runners, box office, events, set up, take down. … The list goes on.”
The largest group, or the general volunteers, requires workers to donate 15 hours of their time. In exchange, each volunteer receives a volunteer pass, a volunteer T-shirt and admission to a volunteer-only party.
The more rigorous group of volunteers are called “Juggernauts.” These individuals give 40 hours of their time to the festival. They get the same perks as general volunteers and also get to pick up tickets at the box office Friday.
“There is a giant volunteer training session about two weeks before the fest,” says Lockhart. “They go over general fest practices as well as individual assignments with their team coordinator.”
Lauren Dunn, a freshman at MU and volunteer for True/False, is excited to get involved with the ninth annual festival.
“I can’t wait,” Dunn says. “I’ve always been a big movie buff and to be involved with a festival of this caliber is exciting. Everyone that’s working towards this festival has such enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to working with such an eclectic group of individuals.”
The application to become a volunteer can be found on the True/False website. In order to be a volunteer, dedication and a positive attitude is key.
“I was assigned a Theater Operations position at Ragtag Cinema — from 8:30 in the morning until 12:30 in the morning,” Dunn says. “It’s going to be a long day. I’ll either be taking ticket stubs, counting how many people watch the movie or will usher people to available seats. There should be a bit of downtime between the movies, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to view a couple shows if there is extra space.”
Between Ragtag, the Missouri Theatre, Jesse Hall and other venues, the many films vary from subject, just as the screens vary in location.
“I’m looking forward to watching Oscar winner ‘Undefeated,’” Dunn says. “I’m a sucker for football movies and after watching the preview, there is a passion and grit that comes out on a football field like nowhere else. I’m also looking forward to see ‘Al Weiwei: Never Sorry’ and ‘How to Survive a Plague.’”