James Holden from Bedford, currently volunteering for the Reel Film Festival in Islington and spending a bit of time with his grandmother in Wellington, kindly offered his services to us just a few days before the start of Borderlines 2014. We were delighted to take him up and he spent about a week with us at The Courtyard on the Festival Desk. Here is how he described the experience.
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| Festival Desk from above |
It was a real pleasure volunteering at the Borderlines festival. Herefordshire boasts fantastic countryside and the location of the festival offers opportunities to view award worthy international feature gems that may otherwise go unnoticed. I had attended the film festival 3 years ago with my Grandmother and was impressed with the festival's diverse programme and relaxed atmosphere. Buying the festival pass would make an educated film buff out of anyone who isn't already. Naomi, the Festival Director was lovely to be around, as was Jo the festival's Marketing Manager. Alongside Joe, my fellow volunteer, I helped out at the front desk, promoting the festival and the funding campaign, setting up screenings and responding to enquiries. It was all rather relaxed and enjoyable. The festival's board members were a great bunch of film enthusiasts. Lunch at the Courtyard was catered for and of a high standard. The festival was very well attended and we received a lot of positive feedback. One of the perks was that I was allowed to watch the films at the festival for free, my personal highlight was the old French film Le Jour se Lève. I would certainly like to be involved again in the future and would recommend volunteering at the festival to anyone who shares a real passion for film.
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| Joe helping a customer on the Festival Desk |
Look forward to seeing you again James!
