Hotdocs Volunteer | EXCLUSIVE |

“And thank you to the volunteer,” he says. “You reminded me why I make films. Because reality still needs people who show up.”

The Keeper of the Red Lanyard

“It’s the best job you’ll never get paid for,” Alex says. “You see the world fall apart a little. Then you watch a hundred strangers help you put it back together, just so they can watch a story about penguins or a coup in Bolivia.” hotdocs volunteer

During the Q&A, the exhausted Norwegian director thanks the audience for their patience. Then he points to the back of the theater, where Alex is leaning against the wall, red lanyard askew. “And thank you to the volunteer,” he says

“Alright, documentary lovers,” Alex announces, voice cracking slightly. “The machines have given up on us, but we haven’t given up on you. If you have a printed ticket or an email confirmation, hold it up.” “You see the world fall apart a little

“Hey,” the kid says. “I want to volunteer next year. Is it worth it?”