SPOTLIGHT
One Special Volunteer
In our newest feature, Heartland is proud to introduce you to a few of the volunteers who make the Festival possible. Each month, we’ll bring you a short profile and brief interview with selected dedicated volunteers, who are more like you than you might think.
December 2006 “When people can come together with this shared passion for something so meaningful…I really think that’s something beautiful,” Wissel shared in a recent interview. As she learned more about what Heartland stands for and strives for, she didn't hesitate in signing up to help out any way she could. |
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Emily used her developing skills in public relations to join Heartland’s Marketing Squad, the volunteer group with arguably the most impact in every Festival’s success. The tireless efforts of the Marketing Squad find Heartland volunteers all over the city, sometimes state, spreading the word about the films and filmmakers Heartland honors.
Working with various volunteer chairs and vice-chairs over the last four years, Wissel became an integral part of the College Outreach branch of the Squad. Volunteers on this sub-committee make it a point to share with college students and professors the film festival that’s practically in their own backyard.
“We made a lot of progress this year, going to about 8 college campuses,” Wissel said when asked to elaborate on her involvement. “That’s a huge jump from where we were even just last year. I think we only went to two campuses last year.”
But Wissel’s dedication to Heartland Film Festival quickly segued into an even bigger commitment once it became obvious how passionate she was about Truly Moving Pictures. In the summer of 2006, Emily joined the Heartland staff as an Advancement Intern, working to increase awareness and support of Heartland. By October, she’d become so integral to the success in the office that she was asked to stay on board through the Festival.
Never one to turn down a challenge, Wissel gladly accepted the chance to stay so involved, but didn’t once shirk her responsibilities to the Marketing Squad.
For the 2006 Festival, Wissel contacted film clubs and student leaders at colleges and universities across Indiana, inquiring about where and when Heartland could visit with information. Her dedication was in no small part responsible for the increase in attendance by college-aged movielovers.
Though her time as part of Heartland’s staff has now passed, Wissel is still excited to stay involved with the Festival.
“I’m not sure where I’m headed next, but I know Heartland will be a part of it,” she said. “Even if I leave Indianapolis, I’ll still be on the Marketing Squad. I still tell people about this gem.”
| October 2006 Our first spotlight shines on Mary Rinck, a six year Heartland veteran who got involved with the Festival when her college sorority sister Diana Davis (Heartland’s Director of Volunteers) asked for a favor. |
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In 2000, Rinck was stationed in the Hospitality Suite at the filmmakers’ hotel. Six years later, she’s the Chair for that same committee, and she and her co-chair have the whole thing down to a science.
“Friends ask how many of the filmmakers I get to meet,” she recounts with a smile, “and I say ‘All of them.’ I’m probably in the only volunteer position that can say that!”
Responsibilities in the Hospitality Suite start long before any filmmakers arrive for the Festival. Rinck prepares for weeks in advance, assuring everything is in its place. And once attendees do arrive, she’s ready to meet, greet and make welcome. Whether it’s arranging for transportation or settling a room issue, Rinck’s years in the Suite have helped her learn what to expect.
For Mary Rinck, volunteering at Heartland is a family affair. Shortly after she became involved, her husband John joined the ranks, working as a driver on the Transportation Committee. This year, he Chairs that committee, seeing to it that filmmakers and guests of honor find their way to films and events.
The magic of the Festival hasn’t worn off for her over the years. In a gentle, reminiscent tone, Rinck talks about the time she watched a young filmmaker approach a seasoned one. He’d been struggling with designing his promotional material, and in a genuine meeting of creative minds, the veteran offered to help.
“The older filmmaker said, ‘Well, I’d move this here, put that there,” she remembers, “That advice probably would have cost that young filmmaker a lot of money, but the older filmmaker was delighted to help him.”
Being a party to those moments makes the whole week worthwhile for Rinck.
“At the end of the week, I’m sort of tired and glad it’s over, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything,” she admits.