Every fall, University students can expect certain time-honored traditions to return to Grounds: Rotunda Sing kicks off the year, Pancakes for Parkinson’s carries us through the mid-semester slump, and Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn boasts of the largest amount of babies and puppies in costumes on any college campus. With every fall also comes one of Charlottesville’s greatest treats: the annual Virginia Film Festival, now in its 27th year.
The Festival, typically held in the second weekend of November, shows an outstanding slew of more than 100 films, in the span of four jam-packed days. Audiences flock from around the region and neighboring states, growing each year — particularly as more and more students file into movie theater seats with their free student tickets.
But the event offers more than just an opportunity to see the newest Oscar-worthy releases and hear from an incredible range of panelists however — the Festival also provides an intensive, educational internship program.
The Festival gives 10 to 12 students an experience they’re not likely to find elsewhere during the school year: planning and administering a four-day acclaimed festival.
A range of intern positions are offered, from Marketing to Production, Graphic Design to Corporate Development. Students have the chance to expand their career skills while receiving academic credit through the University and working directly alongside experienced employees in the field.
As the publicity intern of the Festival this year, my job has spanned a whole spectrum of tasks, from managing all the social media fronts, writing and drafting promotional film blurbs to be printed in our programs, and being at hand to administer press conferences and events. The film festival internship is like no other, and I’ve enjoyed my time in the office immensely.
I decided to ask what the other interns thought about their time this semester and the reactions I received were overwhelmingly positive and satisfied. Fourth-year College student Ruthie Petitto, a Production Intern, described her position as “culling together an audacious, genre-defying, and accessible Festival program.” Petitto has engaged “in a range of tasks, from gathering information on the films, to writing blurbs, inviting discussants, and contacting filmmakers and distributors.”
Of her time spent with the festival, Petitto said: “One of the best aspects for me is working with such an incredible staff and fellow interns…Without such a dedicated, responsive, and fun group, the Festival just simply wouldn't be possible.”
“For those of us looking for a route into the business,” she added, “It’s an invaluable experience that really gives you an insider perspective on the entertainment industry.”
Fourth-year College student and Individual Development intern Lindsey Bond affirmed Pettito’s praise. “It’s been great for me, as a fourth-year, because it has been a good way to transition out of the classroom and into the office. I think at this point it’s a better use of my time and better preparation for next year than taking another lecture.”
While interns praise the internship program and the job-applicable skills they pick up along the way, some are simply thrilled for the opportunity to meet film industry insiders and guests. Stephanie Katsias, a third-year College student and the Marketing and Promotions intern, is a returning intern and met a number of festival guests last year, including actors like Will Forte and Tippi Hedren.
“One of my favorite experiences from last year was when all the interns got to hang out with Will Forte at the Opening Night Gala,” Katsias said. “He was so kind and easy to talk to, but I think the funniest part about that night was watching him talk football with one of the other interns, Kevin. They had their phones out and everything – checking scores…they were total bros by the end of the night.”
Working for the Virginia Film Festival is both an educational and exciting experience, it seems. I have had an incredible time working toward an event that will culminate this weekend and reach out to thousands and thousands of film viewers. So when you head out to the Festival this weekend, look for the university students your age who have badges around their necks and may be herding eager crowds, handing out surveys, or hastily gulping down a coffee – these are the interns, and they are here to make your movie experience the best it can be.
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