By Isabella Echevarria
April is National Volunteer Month. To recognize and celebrate the amazing work volunteers do at IPH, I interviewed three volunteers — Trevor Leander, Zach Dennis and Jordan Stratford — and asked them about their experiences at the cinema. For nonprofits, volunteers are the magic hands that help events succeed and grow. At IPH the love for volunteers can be felt and seen from every corner!
How did you learn about IPH? What made you want to volunteer at the cinema?
Trevor: I was lucky that they built it near my house! I’ve always loved independent cinemas and was so excited they built one in Charlotte (especially when the Manor closed). I wanted to help however I could.
Zach: I heard about it when I moved to town. I figured volunteering would connect me with the film community in Charlotte.
Jordan: I moved to Charlotte during the pandemic and kept hearing about independent cinemas closing, so when I heard IPH was coming, I was excited. Volunteering felt natural. I wanted the movie theater to succeed, and nonprofits are nothing without the helping hand of the community. It was a perfect fit.
What was your most memorable volunteer experience at IPH?
Trevor: Working at the Charlotte Film Festival and meeting so many amazing volunteers and people excited for film in Charlotte.
Zach: The last two years working at the Charlotte Film Festival. It’s been such a cool experience being a part of it.
Jordan: This is a hard one. If you had asked me two months ago, I would have said the Charlotte Film Festival, hands down. It’s moving to see people come together to support independent films. It inspires me to take a chance with my own work one day.
But, I have to say, being asked to film the Community Impact Film Series event that focused on women’s health meant so much to me. The documentary The M Factor screened, creating space for an important conversation about menopause — something I’ve been learning about for the past five years. I know firsthand that women aren’t given the full picture when it comes to taking care of themselves through this huge phase of life.
Getting to capture that experience and archive it … the impact that IPH has is immeasurable. It’s something I will never forget.
How long have you been volunteering at IPH? Would you recommend this experience to friends and family?
Trevor: About two years, and I recommend it to everybody! If you’re interested in film, the cinema is amazing and attracts the nicest, most fun and inclusive group of volunteers I’ve ever met.
Zach: Two years, and yes!
Jordan: I’ve been volunteering with IPH since the 2022 Charlotte Film Festival, and I can’t recommend the experience enough. This is a community where there’s space for everyone. In fact, I think IPH exists to create space for everyone. It’s really invaluable to the community.
What made you want to volunteer at IPH? Are you a frequent visitor of the theater?
Trevor: I wanted to be a part of the film and art scene in Charlotte, but the reason I keep volunteering is for the people. Every time I volunteer it feels like hanging out with a group of friends. And yes! I see three or four movies a month.
Zach: I do frequent the movie theater. I volunteered because the events sounded interesting and I liked being connected with the film community.
Jordan: Since I was a little girl, movies have always felt surreal, and I knew I wanted to be a part of them.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of volunteering at IPH?
Trevor: Spending time with other volunteers/IPH employees and seeing IPH grow. It’s awesome to meet other movie lovers, especially when they see the cinema for the first time and get excited. (Pro tip for first-time attendees: The restroom wallpaper is old newspaper ads for historic theaters around Charlotte dating back to the ’70s.)
Zach: Getting to know the staff at the IPH and being able to help out. They work incredibly hard, and the movie theater is a gem. I’m happy to help in this small way.
Jordan: Even if no one knows who I am, I know I’m part of the film community. Belonging, even without being widely known, is important for artists. It can feel incredibly lonely having such a distinct perspective if there’s no place for you to connect and share that passion. Belonging is by far the most rewarding aspect of volunteering at IPH.
What is your favorite movie? If you could work with any director, who would it be and why?
Trevor: Favorite movie is Palm Springs. I’d love to work with Greta Gerwig. It seems like every actor she’s worked with loves her.
Zach: The Night of the Hunter. I would like to work with Charlie Chaplin to see how he is able to craft stories, stunts and laughs.
Jordan: If I have to pick a single film, I will say City Lights (1931). Chaplin’s ability to convey profound emotion without words is something that really resonates with me. It’s also beautifully shot.
If I had to pick a single director to work with, it would probably be Ingmar Bergman. The first time I saw one of his films, my jaw dropped. Of course, I can’t say that without mentioning cinematographer Sven Nykvist. The compositions in Persona (1966) made me feel understood in a way I had never experienced before.
Interested in joining IPH’s community of volunteers? Complete our interest form here.