Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Hundreds of volunteers help celebrate world cinema

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Volunteers have been up and running for the seventh day at the Santa Barbara International film festival.

"I met someone from England … a woman inside from Korea … there’s so many people and the volunteers really nourish the people they come to the festival," said guest Anne Shaw of the film festival.

Guests at the Arlington theater are excited for the hundreds of volunteers making the annual event possible.

“I am originally from the Netherlands we came here to Santa Barbara and hopefully we’re here to stay. I’ve been volunteering a lot. This seem like a great opportunity," said volunteer Angelique Dittrick of the film festival.

And the volunteers are enjoying the celebration of the art of world cinema in more ways than one.

"To talk to the people who come there are people from all over the county and also from other countries who come to the festival each year ... and it's great to meet them," said volunteer Henry Florshein of the film festival.

"People think this runs so smoothly … like It’s all great, and I get to see free movies and everything and there’s no hiccups. That’s a great compliment to us because there are a lot of things going on anyone of which could be a showstopper," said volunteer venue manager Rick Closson of the film festival.

While it’s still the second week of this years film festival, volunteers are already planning to return to next years film festival. 

"Oh, we probably do it again. It’s another one of those unique events that if you’re fortunate enough to have the time you can go do," said Florshein.

“It’s been great. 

I’m going to come back next year for sure to volunteer," said Dettrick.

Volunteers ensure the best film-going experience possible for patrons, filmmakers, jurors and international visitors.

"They do everything they are the guts of the machine that makes it all run.," said Closson.

The volunteers at this year's film festival hope more people will consider joining their team next year.

Organizers say there are close to 500 volunteers at this year's film festival.