My story began in 2015, when I first signed up as a volunteer. The decision came suddenly. I remember thinking to myself that if PÖFF is one of the most important cultural events in Estonia, why am I not yet part of it?
That first year, I was an information worker at Artis cinema, but by the next festival, I was offered the position of cinema administrator. Three years later, I moved forward to the position of Coordinator of Information Services and today... I have landed the role of Marketing Coordinator at Just Film. I believe the volunteer experience is beneficial for everyone, as it can only get more exciting from there on.
Those 17 days of full-throttle festival life are quite a sight to behold, but after they are over, there's certainly a lingering emptiness in the soul... Until next time.
Why did I choose PÖFF?
The first time, I chose PÖFF because I was a student and I didn't have the money to see all the films.
The second time, I had moved back to Estonia and wanted something to wait for.
The third time, the Tartu PÖFF "boss" asked me if I wanted to do it again. I did.
The fourth time, I didn't even know how to do without PÖFF.
The fifth time, I moved back to Tallinn and wanted to see what was different there.
The sixth time, I needed a break from being unemployed.
The seventh time, I needed a break from work.
The eighth time, I was so busy that I thought I'd find more stuff to do.
The ninth time, I forgot I said I was done.
The tenth time, I became a cinema administrator (a little boss).
The 11th time, I was already a Pöffasaurus.
The 12th time, was during the pandemic and I wanted to get out of the house.
The 13th time, I had plenty of time to enjoy films.
The 14th time, PÖFF chose me and I moved to the office.
In November our nights are black - but not the movies at PÖFF.
PÖFF is like a charismatic Hollywood movie star, whose charm is difficult to put into words. Being a volunteer provides an opportunity to take part in this glamour in a different way than by just watching movies. Being on one team with other enthusiastic people and doing your small part in making the festival happen is an indescribably cool experience and feeling - and also quite addicting. How else would I be looking at my seventh year as a volunteer now on the horizon!
And oh how I love to remind people every year that PÖFF has something for everyone - not just dark and complicated art films! Additionally, there are inspiring (providing me with a topic for my final thesis!), fascinating, thought-provoking, humorous (like "Dinner in America" in 2020!), and sometimes also tear-jerkingly sentimental movies!
PÖFF IS COOL!
Volunteering at PÖFF came into my life in the fall of 2009. In the summer of that year I happened to watch a PÖFF documentary at Viljandi Folk and a natural thought occurred to add to my summer volunteer work at Folk also the autumnal PÖFF. I put that into action, signed up and for my first two PÖFFs my task was to survey the public. After that I have been in the ticket sales team for the rest of my eleven festival years.
For me, volunteering at PÖFF has mainly provided nice variety to my daily work in the sports field. I continue to enjoy working together with the young people who give their part in making PÖFF happen whilst studying or working.
In the ticket sales team, we do not have so many funny occurrences, but rather anxious situations where, for example, we lose internet connection at the most hurried moment or visitors arrive at the ticket desk after their screening gets cancelled due to technical reasons. Then a calm mind and a kind smile help change the mood of even the most displeased client.
This year's PÖFF will be my 14th and I look forward to it with the same excitement as to my first. I am eager to once again meet old "PÖFF wolves" from previous years and definitely also hope to find new starry-eyed members in our team. For me, being a volunteer at PÖFF is part of a lifestyle.
My journey at PÖFF began already 7 years ago. At the time, I had just graduated university and had the time to volunteer in various exciting projects outside of my work. However, I could not have known then that seven years later PÖFF is still one of the most anticipated events of the year for me. As soon as end-of-summer sadness starts to creep in, I only need to think that soon the nights will be black and PÖFF will come around and then there's something to look forward to once again! PÖFF truly has a special vibe for me. I especially like to walk around Tallinn in the dark evenings after late screenings and enjoy that mystical feeling when a movie has touched my soul and will remain with me for a long time.
I first found PÖFF in 2018. I was in the midst of my Estonian language studies and desperately needed practice. I had done some volunteer work before, including pet shelters and food banks, and really liked doing so. As I am also interested in film and am in general an avid consumer of culture, then PÖFF seemed like a perfect fit.
At my first PÖFF training I realized that I actually understood the performers quite well, so I developed a desire to learn something in Estonian. The following year, I started studying at Tallinn University at a course fully in Estonian and by now I have my Bachelor's degree. Also, during that first festival year something funny happened which gave me confidence as a language learner: for some reason, a visitor really wanted to get to know me. They spoke to me in English, but I understood quite quickly that they were Estonian, so I switched to Estonian myself. As I felt more self-confident and free in my language use I was able to tell them politely that I was actually not interested.
I have now been a PÖFF volunteer for four years and hope to continue this year. Volunteering at PÖFF - and actually anywhere - gives me a great opportunity to work in a big team and to communicate with people. As I have been working from a home office for years, I find myself missing that quite a lot.
The PÖFF wolves are wonderful and the atmosphere always pleasant and safe. One time, my leg happened to cramp so much that I was unable to move! But the wolves were very supportive and helpful and found me a driver, who took me to the emergency room.
I look forward to PÖFF with excitement!
In brief moments of the different tasks of a volunteer sometimes a natural two-sided conversation occurs. They bring together a specialist in their field with our "wolf pups" and "grown wolves" and brings forth true stories from the film world - those moments are a PÖFF wolf's true gems.
If you have already landed on this page, the time is right for you to join as well.
Although I have a master's degree in science of engineering and I have worked at the Estonian Forensic Science Institute, I have been Hunt Kriimsilm on a daily basis for some time now. I take up anything that is in my scope of skills and that can be done on a project basis. I have my own business where I sew animal, bird and insect costumes, I prepare educational materials for children, I lead trips and hikes. If possible, I am a tour guide, I take photos, I design, I offer the service as a virtual assistant, etc. In short, I am the master of my own time.
It was the sixth or seventh PÖFF I attended, and after that I went every year. Some years I had time to do a marathon and watch several movies a day, in other years I only made it to a few screenings. In the Covid-year (2021), I felt it was time to give something back. In the volunteer form, I chose "surprise me" and although I went for an information worker interview, I ended up on the photography team.
I have been a volunteer for four years and it has been a great time. It's nice to meet once a year, to talk about who has done what in the meantime. The team leaders, team members and everyone else are very nice. PÖFF people are friendly, everyone is helped and guided. No one is left alone with their worries. Joint events are fun and of course there is an opportunity to meet filmmakers and watch endless films in your spare time.
I work daily in HR for a large international organization. I first came across PÖFF in 2010, as far as I can remember, and I haven't missed a year since then. I decided to sign up as a volunteer in 2023. I tested myself as a screening organizer at Artis Cinema and felt that I did a great job.
In 2024, I was checking tickets instead. The life of a PÖFF volunteer is truly enjoyable – you get to experience the magic of great films, meet great visitors, and find moments to chat with other volunteers. In addition, the volunteers come from such different backgrounds of life that each of them brings something new and exciting to the experience.
I always promote PÖFF to everyone :)
Volunteering at PÖFF was one of the best decisions I had made.
This is a unique opportunity to see life behind the scenes of the festival and contribute in organising something big. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to see the filmmakers as close and authentic as you can, that otherwise wouldn't be possible to experience, and deal with tasks that cannot be done normally. PÖFF has helped me to get to know myself better - I have gotten an idea of what I really like and what I would rather not do.
Volunteering has been a good change for my everyday work and is an important part of my life and a lifestyle. It has given me the opportunity to step out of my routine and be part of something bigger. Plus, of course, watching movies for free - that's the cherry on top!
I have been a PÖFF volunteer since 2019 and every year has brought new experiences and unforgettable moments. So far, I have never been bored, because PÖFF and these people create such a warm feeling that I want to revisit the “Wolf festival” again and again. The team of volunteers around me have been such awesome people that every encounter has been inspiring.
I especially remember two films that I have seen at PÖFF: Outside the Box (2015) and Agent of Happiness (2024). These have been deeply moving and inspiring films, which have made me appreciate the festival's film selection even more.
If you are considering becoming a volunteer, don't hesitate - the experience is totally worth it!
One step closer to my dream – volunteering at the heart of the film world!
I had always heard about PÖFF, but as a film enthusiast I must admit that I had never actually attended the festival myself – until this year.
My sister, who recently joined the PÖFF team, told me about the opportunity to volunteer. At first, I was hesitant – I work full-time as a junior architect and, in my spare time, I’ve also pursued modeling (Miss Eco Estonia 2024, Miss Universe Estonia Top 10). I was worried that I simply wouldn’t have enough time for everything.
This experience was truly special – I met wonderful people and had the chance to be part of a major festival. As a volunteer, you help the audience enjoy great films while also getting a glimpse behind the scenes and meeting inspiring guests.
At first the responsibilities seemed many, but I quickly learned the ropes. A big thanks goes to the festival team, who create such a supportive and welcoming environment for volunteers.
I definitely wish to return in the coming years. I love interacting with people and offering visitors a memorable experience – that’s what made this journey so valuable.
I participated at PÖFF as a volunteer for the second year, because I knew after the first time that I definitely wanted to participate again. In the midst of the gloomy November in Tallinn and everyday routine, it is a great pleasure to immerse yourself in the excitement and atmosphere of a film festival for a couple of weeks! The team is very nice and supportive, communication with other volunteers and clients is refreshing, and the films are always of a high standard (and let's be honest, the opportunity to watch them for free is a great privilege). This way you can learn about the organization of the festival and also the behind-the-scenes of cinema work as such, meet filmmakers and be part of all the chaos that comes with PÖFF in a good way... It is a special experience.
This year's festival was also special for me because in addition to me, my son also volunteered, it was a great experience to live the “wolf life” with him.
My journey as a volunteer at PÖFF began in 2019 when I felt like I wanted to do something exciting in addition to my daily work and other activities.
I have been a big fan of quality movies and European/foreign movies for years and have been going to see them at PÖFF even before I became a volunteer.
I remember the anticipation and excitement after I first filled out the volunteer application and waited for a response.
The festival has changed over time, but the commitment, enthusiasm, positivity and courtesy of the organizing team have remained - in any situation. This applies to the main organizer Tiina Lokk as well as to the other people I have met, and this has been the most inspiring for me.
I have been in many different roles over the years: at the information desk, recommending films and helping with problem solving, introducing guests and making film introductions as an information worker, and selling tickets at the information desk.
All roles have been excellent and there has been something to learn from each role. The visitors are mostly bright-eyed and positive, and there have been no bad experiences.
If time allows, I plan to participate next year as well. The festival seems long, but in reality it passes by very quickly. I would like to contribute as much as possible and also watch as many world-class movies as possible.
If you are thinking about challenges, I highly recommend joining PÖFF volunteers next year - this way you can make new friends and hear interesting stories, because the volunteers are of different ages and work in different fields, see interesting films and have the opportunity to see film stars and directors known in Europe and elsewhere in the world up close.