Nadine: How did you get involved with the festival? How long have you been a volunteer?
Garrett: This year was my first time volunteering for AIFF. In the past, I’ve attended the festival as a student when studying at NSCC’s Screen Arts program. From there, I was able to watch all sorts of films, including some that were made by local talent here in Halifax. It was then I knew I wanted to be involved in the film scene here, and the festival really helped me to think that. I was also fortunate enough to have a friend who told me about their experience volunteering and that got me thinking about volunteering for the next year. I’m so glad I did.
N: What is your favourite Atlantic International Film Festival memory?
G: My favourite memory from AIFF would have to be attending the festival for the first time in person. My first time attending was in 2020, in which everything was online and, while I remember having a great time, I could only imagine what it would’ve looked like if the festival was in person. Despite 2021 being mostly in person, it still felt pretty quiet for the most part. In 2022, however, when the festival was officially in full swing, I really got to understand what it was like to attend a film festival and be given the chance to socialize and meet with other film-lovers, whether that’s by attending screenings, panels or even just chatting with someone in the hallways. I’ll never forget that year as it really felt for the first time that the festival was in full force.
N: What part of the film festival would you recommend to a first-time festival goer?
G: Without a doubt, it would have to be the films themselves. I would highly recommend the short film programs as they are great for anyone who’s into all genres and mediums, whether that’s comedy, drama, horror, animation, experimental, etc.
N: What do you most look forward to every year at AIFF?
G: I think the main thing I look forward to every year is the people I meet, whether they’re volunteers of the festival or film-goers. After graduating from film school, one of the biggest things I learned was how tight knit the film community really is. The AIFF really displays that as many people I see I’ve recognized, whether they’re former classmates or even former instructors. Especially this year when volunteering I got to talk to other volunteers about the different movies we saw and ones that we’re excited to see.
N: What is your favourite film?
G: Picking out a specific movie as my favourite is almost impossible. Though, if I had to choose, I’d probably have to go with Sean Baker’s THE FLORIDA PROJECT from 2017. Funny enough, I remember watching that film while I was actually in Florida for vacation. Aside from that though, the film is really well directed and well acted, especially the young actors, and really is just a film that hasn’t left my mind since I first saw it. Plus, I’m a big fan of coming-of-age movies, as those are the type of films I, hopefully, will make someday!
N: What is your favourite movie snack?
G: Layered buttered popcorn with soda is always a must!
The Atlantic International Film Festival is a not-for-profit cultural organization that offers a broad range of cinematic initiatives throughout the year, with a focus on the film industry in the Atlantic region. We thrive because of our strong ties to the arts community and our dedicated body of volunteers. Visit www.finfestival.ca/volunteer to learn more.