Volunteering at the Strasbourg European Fantastic Film Festival
There are moments in life when you decide to do something on a whim, not really knowing where it will lead you. That’s exactly what happened to me when I decided to volunteer at the European festival of fantastic cinema ( FEFFS ) in Strasbourg. An experience that was both enriching and surprising, it allowed me to discover an incredible world of cinema enthusiasts, all while being at the heart of the action in a growingly renowned festival.
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What is the Strasbourg European Fantastic Film Festival (FEFFS)?
The FEFFS, as regulars call it, is a flagship event in Strasbourg. Founded in 2008, it’s dedicated to fantastic, science fiction, horror, and animated films. The festival highlights daring and often lesser-known cinematic works, while providing a platform for young directors and independent films. For several days, Strasbourg transforms into a gathering point for fantastic film lovers, attracting visitors from around the world.
For cinephiles, FEFFS is much more than just a festival. It’s a unique opportunity to discover films that go off the beaten path, to meet directors, actors, and to connect over a shared passion: cinema. But beyond the screen, what makes the festival even more memorable is the large team of volunteers who work daily to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The exceptional 2024 program
This year’s FEFFS program was especially rich, delighting movie fans, whether they’re fans of auteur films or great classics. An open-air screening of Die Hard on Place du Château, right in front of Strasbourg’s cathedral, was one of the highlights. Despite the evening chill, many festival-goers gathered, wrapped in blankets, to enjoy this cult film.
Legendary director John McTiernan was also present for a highly anticipated masterclass. This exclusive event allowed attendees to get a behind-the-scenes look at his iconic films and to interact with him directly. It was a unique opportunity to hear a cinema master share his insights and anecdotes from filming.
Among the guests of honor, Katharina Kubrick, the daughter of the famous Stanley Kubrick, was part of this year’s jury. Her presence added a special shine to the event, elevating discussions around cinema and the films in competition. She even stopped by the shop on a day when I was there.
To end the week in style, the traditional "Night of Bad Movies" was a festival-goer favorite. It’s a must-see for those who enjoy gently mocking some of the worst films ever made. In a cheerful atmosphere, laughter erupted with each improbable scene, making it the perfect way to close this week of fantastic cinema, full of sharing and good vibes.
In short, this year’s program was a real success, mixing powerful and quirky moments, unforgettable encounters, and, as always, films that push boundaries.
My story as a volunteer at the FEFFS
I remember exactly when the idea of volunteering crossed my mind. It was a few weeks before the start of the festival, and I was browsing the program with excitement. The idea of rediscovering this world as a spectator was already captivating, but something drove me to want to go further. Why not participate more actively? And then, I stumbled upon a call for volunteers. It was a somewhat impulsive, almost random decision, but it changed my view of the festival.
I applied without much thought, thinking it would be a great way to meet new people while experiencing the event from the inside. At the same time, I was sure that my application would be rejected so close to the festival. And yet… A few days later, I received a positive response, and my adventure as a volunteer at the FEFFS could begin.
The roles of FEFFS volunteers
Being a volunteer at FEFFS is much more than handing out flyers or giving directions to visitors. The roles are varied and allow for an inside look at the workings of a film festival. Every volunteer has a specific role, and all contribute to the smooth operation of the event.
Some of the roles include:
- Refreshments: A festival classic! Here, volunteers serve drinks and snacks to festival-goers between screenings. It’s also the ideal place to chat with the public and share in some friendly moments.
- Shop: The shop stand offers souvenirs, T-shirts, posters, and many other items related to the festival and fantasy cinema in general. This role requires diligence but also direct contact with festival-goers.
- Guest Assistance: Some volunteers are responsible for welcoming and assisting guests, whether they’re directors, actors, or speakers. It’s a privileged role that allows for close contact with cinema personalities.
- Screening Room Volunteer: These volunteers ensure that screenings go smoothly, check tickets, and make sure everything is running well for the audience.
- Photographer: For photography enthusiasts, this role is a dream. Capturing the essence of the festival, key moments, and unique instances is a responsibility that allows for creating unforgettable visual memories.
- And many others
My role as a volunteer at the FEFFS
During my time volunteering, I was lucky to make amazing connections, especially with the other volunteers. What brought us together most was our passionate discussions about the festival's films. Whether it was horror films that kept us on the edge of our seats or cheesy films that had us laughing hysterically, these exchanges created real camaraderie among us. After each screening, we’d often gather to debrief iconic scenes or debate the (sometimes questionable) special effects in certain films. It was a real joy to share our opinions, our laughs, and even our fears!
Another memorable anecdote was about the impressive amount of pretzels surrounding us. The refreshment stand had so much stock that we found ourselves trying to give them away to festival-goers whenever we could. Some people were happy to take them, while others were already full after the first round! This created some funny situations, and it became almost a game among us, the volunteers, to see who could distribute the most.
Finally, a little quirk about volunteering at the FEFFS: we were “paid” in tokens redeemable at the refreshment stand. Needless to say, drinks were never in short supply after our shifts. After a day spent at the shop, there was nothing like a drink with fellow volunteers to unwind and share our experiences. It was a kind of “reward” that added to the friendly, laid-back vibe of the festival.
Why be a volunteer at the FEFFS?
Becoming a volunteer at the Strasbourg Fantastic Film Festival was a unique adventure. Beyond the films, the encounters, and the incredible festival atmosphere, it’s the human experience that left an impression on me. I met passionate film lovers, other dedicated volunteers like myself, and professionals from the world of cinema. These exchanges allowed me to see the festival from a different perspective, and I left with memories I’ll cherish forever.
If you love cinema, meeting people, and facing challenges, I can only encourage you to try volunteering at the FEFFS. It’s a different way to discover the festival while contributing to an event that brings the city of Strasbourg to life every year. You won’t regret it!
To learn more
The official website: FEFFS
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