Lights, camera, growth: My transformative journey as a MENA Film Festival volunteer

They say the most unexpected opportunities often come when you least expect them. 

Little did I know I would end up volunteering at the MENA Film Festival 2025 earlier this year — one of the biggest and most dynamic festivals held annually in Vancouver, celebrating the richness of Middle Eastern and North African cinema. 

When I first learned about the festival, I was intrigued but unsure of what to expect. However, the experience turned out to be far more rewarding than I could have imagined.

This opportunity provided me with a plethora of chances to explore my capabilities and strengths in ways I hadn’t anticipated. 

By taking on multiple roles such as customer engagement, public speaking, and storytelling, I not only discovered new skills but also refined my existing ones. My key areas of focus were merchandising, ushering, and delivering screening narrations before every feature. 

One of the highlights of the festival was the Palestinian-Israeli documentary No Other Land, which won Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars this year. Witnessing the impact of this powerful film and being part of an event that amplifies such narratives was truly inspiring.

Starting with merchandising, I collaborated with my team to promote festival memorabilia in a way that went beyond simple transactions. We aimed to create an emotional connection between the audience and the festival’s mission through compelling product descriptions and engaging storytelling. 

Each item — whether it was a tote bag, poster, or festival T-shirt — had its own creative vision and unique story. We highlighted these aspects to attract visitors, emphasizing the festival’s dedication to storytelling and cultural preservation. 

My teammates and I particularly enjoyed the process of setting up the table and ensuring the display was visually appealing and inviting. This required critical thinking and strategic placement, making it an unexpected creative challenge. 

The experience also strengthened my ability to craft persuasive language and connect with diverse audiences in a meaningful way.

As an usher, I honed my communication skills by guiding guests, explaining schedules, and providing insights about the festival program. This role required me to be clear, concise, and approachable. Ensuring visitors felt welcomed and well informed made me realize the importance of adaptability in communication. 

Each interaction was an opportunity to engage with people from different backgrounds and professions — filmmakers, critics, students, and cinema enthusiasts — each bringing a unique perspective. Hearing their thoughts on the films and the festival itself provided me with valuable insights and advice that I plan to carry forward in my personal and professional life.

My favourite experience, however, was delivering screening narrations. I’m incredibly grateful to the team for trusting me with this responsibility, as it turned out to be one of the most transformative aspects of my volunteering journey. 

Initially, I was hesitant due to my fear of public speaking, but thanks to the encouragement of my mentors and coordinators, I found the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. Each screening required thorough preparation. I researched the film’s theme, production background, and significance to ensure my introductions were informative and engaging. 

I also delivered important announcements regarding festival guidelines, enhancing the audience’s overall experience. Conquering my fear of public speaking and successfully delivering these narrations was a significant personal achievement that I am immensely proud of.

Throughout the festival, I continuously challenged myself to take on new responsibilities, stepped outside my comfort zone, and embraced the unpredictable nature of live events. 

This multifaceted volunteering experience not only enhanced my writing skills but also strengthened my ability to engage with audiences and improve my overall communication style. I feel more confident in presenting myself and interacting with others, whether in a professional setting or in everyday conversations.

Beyond skill development, what made this experience truly special was the people I met along the way. I had the privilege of working alongside passionate individuals who shared a deep love for storytelling and cinema. The connections I made, the stories I heard, and the lessons I learned have left a lasting impact on me.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the talented individuals who supported and inspired me throughout the journey. Volunteering at the MENA Film Festival was more than just an experience — it was a turning point that deepened my appreciation for storytelling, strengthened my confidence, and broadened my perspective. 

I look forward to continuing my involvement in the years to come, knowing that each festival will bring new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for cinema and cultural expression.