SPOTLIGHT: VOLUNTEER

Every year, SFIAAFF is home to hundreds of volunteers who help run the festival and make it a true success. We’re happy to spotlight one of the many special volunteers returning again this year.

Paula Kwok_webphotoLong-time volunteer Paula Kwok (center) working at the 27th SFIAAFF.

Every year, SFIAAFF is home to hundreds of volunteers who help run the festival and make it a true success. We’re happy to spotlight one of the many special volunteers returning again this year.

1) Your name

Paula Kwok

2) What you’re up to in your world, and what you do in the community

When I’m not working, I try to take advantage of being in the Bay Area. I love riding my bike, hiking, running, snowboarding and, of course, eating. There can NEVER be enough eating.

Community involvement is an important part of my life. I’m on the Board for the Employee Foundation at my company and we do a lot of great things in the areas of education, poverty and the environment. When I grow up, I would love to run a nonprofit of my own. =)

3) What you’ve done for the Festival in the past

Wow. I’ve been a volunteer for almost a decade now…I think I still have my volunteer T-shirt that says the “18th Annual Film Festival.” With that said, I’ve had a chance to do a little bit of everything–flyering around San Francisco, theatre operations (ushering, line monitoring and Volunteer Check-in), guest services (helping out at the Guest and Filmmakers lounge back in the day when it was in the Japan Center Mall), special events like the Filmmakers’ Brunch, and, of
course, the Closing and Opening Night Galas.

4) Your favorite films from Festivals past

So many to choose from–I am a big fan of the short programs and the documentaries but I think the one that stands out in my mind is AIR GUITAR NATION. C. Diddy groupie!

5) Your funniest moments at the Festival

I don’t drink coffee, even though I may act like I’m a caffeine junkie, so I’ve never used a coffee machine before. I was given the task of making coffee in the Guest Lounge. My first batch was successful; however, we ran out of coffee quickly and I had to make a second batch. I didn’t know you couldn’t reuse coffee grinds. I poured in the water and left to help a guest with directions. Soon after, from the corner of my eye, I notice water is just spewing out of the coffee machine. I run over and I frantically grab napkins and coffee filters–just about whatever I could to mop up the mess. It was definitely an I Love Lucy moment.

6) What, to you, makes SFIAAFF great

The highlight is meeting new volunteers and seeing returning volunteers. It’s awesome how this festival brings people together with a common love for film. I love the volunteer alumni “reunions” and look forward to volunteering with my partner in crime – Bonnie Y. [Bonnie’s another longtime veteran].

For more information about volunteering, contact Soo Na Pak, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteeradmin [at] asianamericanmedia [dot] org or by phone at 415.863.0814, ext. 214.