Volunteer applications for the 8th Hainan Island International Film Festival officially opened Oct. 27 and will close at 18:00 on Nov. 5, 2026. Interested? Review the guidelines and register on the official film festival website:

https://www.hiiff.net/en/join/volunteer/

This year’s festival will be held in December in Sanya, Hainan Province, and will be the first time for the event to be held since the Hainan Free Trade Port began island-wide special customs operations.

A scene from a previous Hainan Island International Film Festival. (Photo courtesy of the HIIFF Organizing Committee)

Volunteers at a previous Hainan Island International Film Festival. (Photo courtesy of the HIIFF Organizing Committee)

This year, the festival will provide personal accident insurance for all volunteers and issue certificates of service to those with perfect attendance. High-performing volunteers may receive priority consideration for internships or job opportunities within the festival team. Volunteers will also enjoy exclusive discounts on festival merchandise. Those traveling from outside Sanya will receive an accommodation subsidy for the duration of their assigned shifts, and work allowances will be calculated and distributed based on the actual number of days served.

Volunteer roles include screenings, industry affairs, communications, and guest services & event support. Positions are categorized into ‘coordination’ roles focused on communication, scheduling, and workflow management, and ‘execution’ roles focused on hands-on implementation and support of on-site operations.

Screenings and Film Projection

Volunteers will assist with tasks such as verifying screening details, guiding audience members, managing subtitle synchronization, and testing projection equipment, ensuring the smooth presentation of films in both cinema and open-air venues.

Industry and Technology

Volunteers will support young filmmakers with projects, assist in the execution of industry events, and help coordinate technology exhibitions, gaining direct experience in the professional operations of the film festival’s industry sector.

Media and Communications

Volunteers will engage in media relations, capture stories on-site, and document events through text, photography, and video to share updates on the festival.

Guest Services and Event Support

Volunteers will assist with guest reception, event coordination, on-site operations, and general support services, ensuring the seamless execution of all festival activities.

Specific job responsibilities and skill requirements are outlined in the official recruitment information.

Want to work alongside filmmakers from around the world? The 8th Hainan Island International Film Festival looks forward to you joining the team!