Call for Interns/Volunteers!

UNAFF (United Nations Association Film Festival) was originally conceived to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was founded by Stanford educator and film critic Jasmina Bojic with the participation of the Stanford Film Society and United Nations Association Midpeninsula Chapter—a grassroots, community-based, nonprofit organization. The 13th UNAFF will be held from October 22-31, 2010 in Palo Alto, Stanford University, East Palo Alto and San Francisco. The theme for this year is "POPULATION – MIGRATION – GLOBALIZATION."

A competitive, human rights based festival that focuses on global issues, UNAFF covers a broad range of subjects including racism, refugee protection, population, migration, war and peace, environmental themes, homelessness, famine, children, health, women's issues, universal education and economic sustainability. In the past thirteen years, seventeen documentaries have received Oscar nominations and five have won the Academy Awards for Best Documentary. UNAFF continues its presentations year round via the UNAFF Traveling Film Festival held at numerous locations throughout the United States.

If you have an interest in filmmaking and/or human rights issues this is the perfect chance to get involved in a community-based nonprofit organization. It is an opportunity to not only gain experience in film festival planning and behind the scenes action, but to see many documentaries that are rarely seen elsewhere in the United States. Plus, it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with filmmakers! To thank you for your help, you will receive a complimentary UNAFF film festival pass for you and a guest and a UNAFF T-Shirt. This is your chance to make a difference for your community and increase your own awareness about human rights issues that affect people globally. Depending on individual experience and interest, potential intern/volunteer activities include:

1. FUNDRAISING Campaign – Fundraising Coordinators will identify and contact organizations that can donate money to the festival. Prior fundraising experience is a plus, but not required. (As a nonprofit organization, we generate funding through various grants, foundations, local community organizations and corporations.)

2. SPONSORSHIP Campaign – Sponsorship Coordinators will identify and contact organizations via e-mails and phone calls using an already prepared sponsorship letter. This is different from fundraising in that sponsors have a greater commitment (more of a partnership) with the UNAFF based on their contribution level. Good communication skills are essential.

3. PUBLICITY Campaign – Marketing Coordinators will be directly involved in generating publicity for the festival through the media (newspapers, radio and TV). Involvement will include assisting in development of press releases and press kits, as well as other marketing materials. Interns will also gain experience in the coordination and execution of a press conference. Good organizational and communication skills are essential.

4. FESTIVAL Logistics – Event Coordinators will help with promotional festival events, ticket selling/taking, transporting tapes, coordinating sessions, selling t-shirts, making sure the bookstores and ticket office have brochures, setting up food, pick up and escorting filmmakers, mailing, building and maintaining database, etc.—all the myriad tasks required to make this a smooth-running festival.

If you are interested please contact us at info@unaff.org or call (650) 725-0012.