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Doha, Qatar: 22 October 2010 – In mid-August, registration opened to the Qatari community for a unique chance to sign-up to volunteer for the second edition of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), which will be held from October 26-30, 2010. Over 1300 submissions were received and over 800 volunteers completed their training and will be on hand to take part in DTFF.

If you missed out on signing up to be a volunteer, but would still like to be involved, the public is welcome to join the DTFF Fan Zone, which will be open daily next to the red carpet at the Katara Opera House. Everyone is invited to cheer on their favorite stars as they arrive on the red carpet and be part of the excitement. DTFF Fan Zone credentials are available at DTFF Lounges at Villaggio and City Center malls.

DTFF could not happen without the dedication and hard work of its volunteers. Volunteers work throughout the Festival in various capacities. These positions are unpaid but provide priceless experience. Volunteering is often the first step in the door for people interested in pursuing or advancing a career in the film industry.

The rewards of being a Festival volunteer are many – in addition to fostering a sense of community, being a volunteer has benefits including receiving vouchers for screenings and panel discussions, getting credentials (a badge) and a fun-filled goodie bag including a DTFF Uniform, invitation to the volunteer appreciation party, and a certificate of appreciation.

As the official sponsor of the Volunteer Program, Virgin Mobile Qatar (a service provided by Qtel) will be hosting the volunteer appreciation party, as well as awarding special prizes to DTFF’s top volunteers.

We asked a few of DTFF’s volunteers what they loved about being a DTFF volunteer.

Shabeb Al-Rumaihi, a law student at Qatar University and a Guest Relations Volunteer said: “I love being a DTFF volunteer because I am a part of an institution that represents Qatar to international film industries and represents the world to Qatar. Moreover, DTFF is supporting Qatars 2022 bid and it’s supporting the vision of H.H Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani for 2030. That’s why DFI would definitely be beneficial to Qatar. H.E Sheikha Al-Mayassah has done so much by founding this amazing institution and the wonderful staff of DFI is working really hard to create this amazing event. That’s why volunteering at this Festival and giving it a 110% would be the least we can do in return.”

Ibrahim Minawi, a volunteer in the Communications Department said: “I love being a DTFF volunteer because I think it is beautiful how we come together to help communicate all of the wonderful things happening at the Festival. I am really excited to be a part of this amazing Festival. My role gives me an opportunity to see all of the press coverage from newspapers to the internet, and helps me learn about the filmmakers, films, special programs and what DFI is doing around the year in Doha. This internship is a fun way to learn how to give back to the community here in Doha. Some people wonder why I’d want to volunteer and work for free, and my response is that I’m not because I’m helping people each day and that is a valuable reward. For me, it’s not always about the money; it’s about helping the community and doing something useful in my life.”

Aisha Buhmaid, a volunteer in the Venues Department said: “I love being a DTFF volunteer because it gives me the opportunity to learn from those respected figures that are recognized globally. It also gives me a chance to meet a variety of people that I wouldn’t have met in everyday life otherwise. The DTFF is where people from all walks of life come together and unite to make one outstanding show for the benefit of millions.”

Mohammed Murad, a volunteer in the Hospitality Department said: “I love being a DTFF volunteer because it’s really a pleasure to be part of this great and huge Festival, also we can’t forget that DTFF is a chance to all of us as Qataris to present our culture and to present Qatar -to the world film industry, being one of the volunteering team at DTFF means a lot of fun, new experiences, new good friends, and a new co-operative family. As a volunteer I am looking forward to be part of DTFF volunteering team every year because I really found myself in this event. “

Jassim K. Emad Dahi, a volunteer for TEDxDoha said: “I love being a DTFF volunteer because I really enjoy being a part of something big going on in Doha.”

Amna Al Thani, a volunteer in the Guest Relations Department said: “DTFF is one of the major events in Doha, not all major events ask students, parents, or anyone in the community to volunteer. I love being a DTFF volunteer because there are so many benefits and possibilities of things we never did or tried, it brings people together. We get to meet new people and make new friends from different ages, countries, and races. It promotes self-growth, we can use our skills to teach others, and learn new skills from others, so it’s not what you give but what you get in return, volunteering does not return us financial aid but it provides us experience, friends, and new skills. Not only does it strengthens our community but also breaks down barriers of fear and misunderstanding.”

Notes to Media:
All DTFF 2010 screenings at the Katara Open Air Theatre are free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to view a great line up of films under the Doha sky providing complete family entertainment including the opening night film Outside the Law (October 26); A Throw of Dice with a special live score by Nitin Sawhney and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (October 28), Secretariat and Boy (Family Day screenings on October 29) and the closing film The First Grader (October 30). For timings and details, please refer the website: www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival.

PARKING
Venue Information:
Katara
Free public parking will NOT be available inside of Katara during the festival. Katara will operate under a Park & Ride system from two different locations in close proximity to Katara: Parking is available in either the backside of the Doha Exhibition Center or the Katara Public Parking (for access to both follow DTFF signs via route to the Intercontinental Hotel). Frequent shuttle service will be provided from both locations to Katara Centre.

City Center and Villaggio
Parking is limited and not guaranteed at these locations, please plan accordingly, especially during peak hours.