2026 RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER

The RIFF Arts Institute (RAI) was born out of the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF). The Institute is a Co-host of the festival each year, and provides year-round programs, fellowships, and educational offerings for artists. RAI has a need for volunteers year-round, and also assists the Richmond International Film Festival with volunteer recruitment each year.
The 2026 RIFF Festival is Sep 22-27. At RIFF, more than 180 films premiere from 25 countries with visitors traveling to the city from around the world. In addition to many narrative features, there are documentary films that include extended panels on current pressing issues. Other timeslots focus on youth and community building in addition to career building within the arts, live music and other special events throughout the week.
Volunteer Position Description and Purpose:
General Week of Volunteers: Week of volunteering at the 2026 festival is fun and takes place in a variety of stations such as greeters, box office, ushers, info table assistants, and more. Training sessions take place in August and early September prior to festival, or you may access the recorded link to view the training from your home. Volunteering takes place festival week, September 22-27, 2026.
Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:
RIFF has a variety of different volunteer opportunities available. During the festival week we utilize our volunteers in various areas including running the ticketing booth, merch sales, running the check in tables at our VIP events, being ushers/greeters for the patrons, possibly some set up/break down depending on the shift, etc. We also have volunteer opportunities available throughout the year as well for those not able to attend the festival in September. For more info, please email us at the emai