Michiko
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
I don’t remember how I became interested. It happened about 40 years ago.
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
Receiving the pass and learning about life from other volunteers.
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
They are all very intelligent people and it’s a pleasure talking to them.
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
To Kill a Mockingbird
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
Your popcorn is the best in town.
Anything else you would like to add?
We had been blessed with good managers and I appreciated most of them. They’re very kind, patient and accommodating.
Saher
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
I became interested after attending multiple screening at the Cinematheque and meeting some of the volunteers.
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
A community of lovely cinephiles. What’s there not to like?
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
When we celebrated Ziyi’s birthday on Volunteer Movie Nite.
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
This question is even harder than “what’s your favourite movie?” If I had to pick I’d say Kiarostami’s 1987 Where Is the Friend's House?
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
I’m not a movie snack person most of the time. My default is chewing gum and a cup of water. 🤣
Anything else you would like to add?
Volunteering at the Cinematheque has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had and is a fantastic way to meet like minded people!
Cedric
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
I love cinema and I wanted to meet like-minded people. I started in the summer of 2020 (I think).
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
I like the people I work with. I like the atmosphere there; I think that The Cinematheque is the perfect example of a safe space where people feel very comfortable.
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
The wall of pre-prepared (and sealed) popcorn bags for a rental for an association of people with visual deficiencies. It was a perfect example of working together, hard but with a lot of fun, to benefit to the community at large.
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
Les bronzés font du ski (...wait for the end), sorry.
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
I never eat in a movie theatre. I am very (Frenchly) snobbish about it.
Anything else you would like to add?
Viva la cinematheque.
Mary
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
Last winter I saw my first movie at The Cinematheque, which was The Joy Luck Club. Before that I was completely unaware that there was a theatre in town with such great programming, and then I found out it was run by volunteers. I had been trying to volunteer at the central library but wasn't hearing anything, so I was really glad to find another volunteer opportunity and filled out the form online. I've been a volunteer since January and it has been a great year!
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
My regular shift is on Sunday nights, and there is just something about catching a Sunday night movie that I just find really pleasant. Every volunteer I've met has been exceptionally kind, but I have to say I'm partial to my Sunday night crew. I also really enjoy talking film with the guests. Whether it's that night's screening, other movies by the director or just general favourites, I hear about a lot of different films from people in the concession line. I've seen a lot of great films while on shift that I don't think I would have come across otherwise, and I'm looking forward to the Tarkovsky series this month.
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
During the wonderful Latin American Film Festival, a few of us were salsa dancing and eating empanadas in the courtyard. You can't beat that. However I am writing this the night before the volunteer party, so that answer may change very soon...
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
The two that come to mind are Frances Ha and La Vie Rêvée, if that doesn't tell you all you need to know about me...
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
For the winter I've been making a very lovely mix of hot chocolate and coffee, bit of a secret menu item for those of you who like a mocha.
Anything else you would like to add?
"I would recommend volunteering at The Cinematheque to anyone who loves film! It's a great group of people to work with, and it's so interesting to see how a cinema operates. You meet so many people involved in different areas of the industry, actors, editors, writers, you name it. You also gain a lot of empathy for the people slinging popcorn at concession.
Support local businesses run by volunteers! The Cinematheque, VIFF, Friends of VPL, VSO, and Vancouver Co-op radio to name a few!
Also, Guy Maddin's My Winnipeg is likely the most wonderfully strange film I've ever seen and I owe that experience to The Cinematheque.
Danika
How did you become interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque and when did you start?
I became interested in volunteering at The Cinematheque after spending way too much time watching films on The Criterion Channel during the pandemic. I thought it would be a great way to support cinema and meet other cinephiles. I’ve been volunteering since May 2021.
What do you like most about volunteering at The Cinematheque?
Being a part of a community of film nerds and supporting a not-for-profit organization that endeavours to keep cinema and the respective art form alive and relevant.
What’s your favourite memory of volunteering with The Cinematheque so far?
Seeing Olivier Assayas' Irma Vep on the big screen. Watching a live theremin performance by Stephen Hamm Theremin Man. The legendary Christmas karaoke party! It’s always a good time at The Cinematheque.
If you were a movie, which one would you be?
I’d probably be Frances Ha. I'm either endearingly awkward or awkwardly endearing.
What’s your go-to movie snack, and/or what’s your go-to popcorn topping?
Buttery, salty popcorn. 🍿
Anything else you would like to add?
Only that I wish that everyone could be as excited about life as the managers of The Cinematheque are on national popcorn day!
Marlon
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.
Jonathan
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
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!
