General Volunteer Questions:

What will the Festival look like in 2021?

Please take a moment to read the Festival update from Tabitha Jackson, Director of the Sundance Film Festival, published on June 29, 2020. You can review the update here.

What are the dates of the 2021 Festival?

The 2021 Sundance Film Festival will begin on January 28, 2021. We are planning live elements until February 1, while digital elements may extend until February 3. Volunteer dates may be extended further, and your volunteer coordinator will provide you with the dates of the volunteer position when you are contacted.

What if I don’t feel comfortable or am unable to participate in the 2021 Festival?

If you don’t feel comfortable or are unable to travel to the Festival, please do not worry. It is of the utmost importance that you keep open and honest communication with the Volunteer Resources Team so that you can return with the appropriate standing for the 2022 Festival. We ask that all volunteers communicate as much as possible during the Festival planning process. If you are unable to participate, please let us know by emailing us and completing this survey. This survey is optional but will help us to collect information regarding participation as we plan for the future.

What if I am unsure if I can participate in the 2021 Festival?

If you think you might be able to join us, go ahead and complete the application. If you need to cancel, work with your volunteer coordinator to understand the late cancellation deadline. We understand this is a very different year, and will work with volunteers to find the best solutions in the event of cancellations or unforeseen circumstances.

What about alumni priority?

We strive to honor your alumni priority and will continue to place alumni volunteers in positions first and foremost. However, with an evolving Festival, position availability may vary. While we will work our hardest to find a position for everyone, we cannot guarantee placement at this time. If we are unable to place alumni volunteers, we will continue to honor alumni status for the 2022 Festival.

What happens if I can’t be placed in my previous volunteer position?

In the event that you cannot be placed in your previous volunteer position, our team will let you know and will work with you to find another position if possible. We ask that all volunteers be flexible when it comes to discussing volunteer positions. We track the positions that volunteers are in from year to year, and we will do our best to honor your previous position.

Have the volunteer types and commitment levels changed?

Yes, This year we are not offering half-Fest opportunities; volunteers can choose to be either full-time or sign-p. Hours may vary depending on the position.

What are important deadlines for the year?

Application Open: September 2020

Alumni Priority Deadline: Friday October 2, 2020

Volunteer Placement Calls: November 2020

Application Deadline: December 2020

Late Cancellation/Last Commitment Deadline: TBA after Thanksgiving

What will the onboarding process be like for the 2021 Festival?

As always, once our team of seasonal staff start, we will begin to reach out and make calls for placement. We are planning to dedicate extra time on calls to ensure that all alumni interested in participating understand the changes and differences in volunteer positions. We ask that all volunteers make themselves available for such discussions and remain flexible with expectations as we work together to bring the Festival to life. We are expecting this process to take longer than in previous years so that we can communicate with everyone. Volunteer agreements will likely be sent later than usual.

What should I know about in-person versus digital volunteer opportunities?

In-person opportunities may be available in a limited capacity. We are reviewing the possibility of lodging but are unable to guarantee Festival lodging to anyone for the 2021 Festival at this time. While all are welcome to join in-person opportunities, we ask that all volunteers who have to travel to Utah first consider digital or local volunteering opportunities as a way to stay involved. Digital opportunities may allow volunteers to participate from home. We are reviewing digital requirements at this time, but volunteers may be asked to provide their own equipment and be tech savvy in order to volunteer in this capacity.

What are the volunteer benefits for SFF 2021?

We are currently working to determine what, if any, volunteer benefits would be available for the 2021 Festival. With this in mind, we ask that volunteers participate in the festival in the spirit of service to support the mission of Sundance Institute. We need volunteers now more than ever to support storytelling and the voices of our artists, and we ask that volunteers be flexible and understand how much we appreciate their service, even though we may not be able to provide tangible benefits for the 2021 Festival. Please know we will continue to work to provide benefits, and will update volunteers throughout the planning process.

Application Process

I'd like to apply. Will you consider my resume?

No. Volunteers will only be considered if they have submitted a full volunteer application online.

In-Person Volunteer Opportunity Questions

What procedures are being put in place for safety and health in regards to COVID-19?

Health and safety are our top priorities when planning in-person aspects of the Festival. We are currently working to evaluate in-person Festival locations to create cleaning schedules and safety procedures to help ensure the health and safety of all participating. Additionally, we will be adhering to guidelines relevant to in-person locations. We will be sure to communicate procedures being put in place as we get closer to the Festival.

Will masks be required?

Yes, masks will be required for everyone while on site during the Festival.

Will the Festival supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

We do plan to make PPE available for our volunteers, including masks and sanitizer. However, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own masks and personal use sanitizer throughout the Festival.

Will I have to have my temperature taken and symptoms checked?

Yes, we are currently planning for all staff, contractors, and volunteers to have their temperature checked before shifts. Additionally, you may be asked to sign documents indicating that you are not displaying symptoms and/or have not been in contact with anyone that may be symptomatic or tested positive for COVID-19. This is subject to change depending on the conditions in January 2021.

How should I plan to travel to the Festival?

If you are planning to travel to the Festival to volunteer, we first ask that you evaluate participating in a digital capacity or via local volunteer opportunities. Any travel requirements or restrictions for participants are up to the discretion of the individual. We are unable to advise on international and domestic travel as it applies to COVID-19. We will message out information relevant to the state of Utah as it is applicable, but we cannot advise on travel methods.

How can I plan for lodging for the Festival?

If you are planning to travel and lodge in the surrounding cities for the Festival, we first ask that you evaluate participating in a digital capacity or local areas. We are evaluating if we are able to provide Festival lodging, but it may be unlikely at this time. Volunteers who find their own lodging are encouraged to find housing with flexible cancellation options in the event that conditions do not allow for robust in-person activities.

What other locations outside of Utah can we expect?

The Festival is currently having talks with cinemas around the country to see how we can bring the Festival to different communities. As we learn more about this, we will be sure to let you know what opportunities may be available in your area. Please note that we will notify you based on the address you list on the volunteer application.

Digital Volunteer Opportunity Questions

Can I be both an in-person and digital volunteer?

Unfortunately, no. Volunteers will need to choose between participating in- person or digitally, and cannot commit to both. However, you can switch between being a digital or in-person volunteer before the Festival by speaking with a volunteer coordinator.

What requirements are there to be a digital volunteer?

We are currently reviewing requirements for digital volunteering. At this time, digital volunteers may be asked to provide or have access to the following things in order to participate. This is subject to change as we plan further. Requirements may include but are not limited to:

3g or better internet access

Personal laptop/computer, with external accessories as preferred

Flexibility with hours during the Festival

Flexibility with training timelines may be required to participate several weeks before the Festival as training and digital shifts may start as early as December.

Familiarity with technology

How do I choose between volunteering digitally or in-person?

Each person should decide the opportunity that is best for them. We ask that anyone who would have to travel to a Festival location consider volunteering digitally first. If you don’t feel comfortable participating in person or digitally, please feel free to reach out. We understand that we may not be able to find a volunteer position for everyone, and we will work to keep volunteers in good standing for future Festivals.

Will the benefits be the same for digital and in-person?

We strive to make things as equitable as possible and plan to provide the same benefits for digital volunteers and in-person volunteers. Please see the benefits section above.

How do I get in touch with the Volunteer Department?

We invite you to contact us if you have questions that are not addressed in this FAQ.

Email: volunteers@sundance.org

Volunteer Hotline: (435) 776-7870

General Sundance Institute Inquiries: (435) 658-3456

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (MST)