Attempting a work camp at the Reykjavik International Film Festival for the first time in SEEDS history is showing to be quite a success.

Our group is 28 strong from many various countries including Australia, Austria, Colombia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and United States. We are spending our two weeks assisting the eight permanent staff members of RIFF with whatever tasks may come our way.

Although RIFF is a young film festival, in only its fourth year running, its growth has been exponential since its founding year of 2004. This year, over 80 films from five continents will cover the screens of four cinema venues throughout the eleven-day festival.

As SEEDS volunteers, we have had the opportunity to work as well as play here in beautiful Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Our daily tasks include ticket sales, concession sales, running various errands for the festival, and working at the information center. We are all friendly faces at RIFF, helping audiences with whatever they may need.

The work has not gotten in the way of our free time here in Reykjavik. We have time throughout the days and evenings to explore the city’s many museums, galleries, cafes and renowned nightlife. Not to mention viewing as many films as humanly possible on each given day.

It has been a wonderful experience so far for all of the volunteers. SEEDS has been kind enough to provide us with a wonderful hostel, daily meals, free festival passes, bus passes and group outings. Friends, as well as memories, are in the making and we are all looking forward to a wonderful second week here in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Lindsey Borgerson - US