Lola Claire
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
I’m a cinephile and I was excited to be exposed to films that are new to me while supporting an exciting artistic community.
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
The discourse with patrons and volunteers alike about the programming.
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
I’m a new volunteer! But so far I have felt such a warm and wonderful welcome.
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
Such a hard question! My favourite film is Persona, but if I were to be a film, I might be Funny Face.
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
Salted popcorn. Keep it classic.
Anything else you would like to add?
The Cinemateque is such a fantastic community pillar—providing an inviting gathering place for film-lovers new and seasoned.
Marlon Wiebe
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
Started in November of 2022. After things started opening up again from the depths of the pandemic, I wanted to try something new, meet some new people and my partner used to volunteer in the office and so I decided to give it a try too. Turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in a while!
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
Meeting all the delightful film nerds! Thursday crew is great and we’ve become pals (hey guys! 👋). The programming at The Cinematheque is amazing and I love being able to see screenings for free where I can experience unique and intimate views on the world that’s not just Marvel.
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
The Cinematheque volunteer karaoke night! What a blast!! Also I won a toque during the door prize draw so I always wear a reminder of that night hehe.
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
Tampopo! Let me marinate in ramen for the rest of my life :D
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
The Cinematheque has ruined other theatre popcorn for me because it’s so simple and pure, a blank canvas waiting for a vast array of salty toppings. Best topping: butter, white cheddar, and a dash of hot sauce.
Anything else you would like to add?
Keep up the good work! It’s such a great organization to volunteer for.
Chris Ayers
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
I moved to Canada at the end of 2020 and didn’t really know anyone here, and since I’m a freelancer and work from home, I didn’t really get out and see people very often. I started attending films at The Cinematheque when it reopened in 2021 (my first film there was Tokyo Story). One day I saw a Facebook posts about volunteers and decided to sign up.
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
It’s not just one thing. My first job was working in a movie theatre and I loved all the different aspects of it. I love the sense of community and seeing the same people from week to week, whether it’s the other volunteers or the regular patrons. Every screening is a chance for someone to have a life-changing experience, and I think that’s a wonderful thing. Also, I have a strong sense memory of the smell of popcorn that reminds me of my first job, which is probably why I like being the Thursday night popcorn guy.
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
I had been working from home for about a year after moving to Vancouver and never saw any of my clients in person and wasn’t finding much satisfaction. The human experience of Zoom meetings is quite lacking. During my first month at The Cinematheque, I helped a woman with a very specific and complicated popcorn order, and I think that experience was more satisfying than any of the freelance work I did that year.
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
I’m afraid that I might be a little too much like Max Fischer from Rushmore. I wasn’t like that as a teenager, but I think I’ve grown into that as an adult. Specifically, I mean having too many different interests at the expense of focusing on things that actually might make me successful.
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
I’m very traditional. Popcorn with butter and salt. I haven’t yet worked up the courage to try the Spike.
Anything else you would like to add?
The Cinematheque has become my home away from home and my social circle in the last couple of years. I can’t imagine Vancouver without it. I have two cinema-related hobbies. I design alternative movie posters, which you can find here. I also co-host a podcast about the filmography of the Coen Brothers.
Jonathan Wells
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
In 1992. I was a starving student at the time and knew someone who volunteered. It seemed like a good way to see movies and meet people. I took a break for twenty five years and just started volunteering again in 2022.
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
The movies and the popcorn!
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
The camaraderie with other volunteers.
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant.
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
Wine gums. Butter, salt, nutritional yeast.
Anything else you would like to add?
It’s nice to be of service and get to know the film community in Vancouver.
Fiona Hu
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start? I started in about 2015. I had actually meant to visit Cineworks, but went to The Cinematheque by mistake! I met Linton and he hooked me up. 😁
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
Meeting new people, watching movies for free. Doing the parties! Working is fun too!
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
Meeting my boyfriend Shaun. 😀 (He asked me to say it!)
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
Roman Holiday.
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
Popcorn with nutritional yeast. Daniel’s chocolates are good too!
