The Volunteer - 7 docu's

In every country, prosperous or not, volunteers play an active and essential role making a difference by helping others. In a way, no society can function without the valuable and selfless contributions of volunteers; they are the glue that holds communities together. They help improve the quality of human life and, by doing so strengthen the community as a whole. Volunteering covers many areas ranging from education, health care, social inequality, environmental issues, animal sanctuary projects, sports, protecting endangered cultural heritage, and hands-on activities like construction or clean-ups, to name a few.

Even small actions can lead to a significant, positive, and lasting impact. Volunteers fill the gap where governments or established institutions do not have the capacity—financially or in terms of human resources—to make a valuable and lasting structural contribution. It brings volunteers towards tackling issues they are most passionate about. It enhances self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.

Ultimately, volunteering is a rewarding experience that transforms not only the recipient but also the giver. The United Nations has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers. This global initiative aims to recognize volunteerism as a vital force for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It follows the first International Year of Volunteers, held 25 years earlier in 2001.

The Curaçao International Film Festival (CIFF), embraced this initiative and made volunteerism one of the leading themes of its 2026 edition. In cooperation with Curaçao Cares and two dedicated film professionals, a number of areas have been identified. Under the supervision and guidance of Sulin Passial and Wendy York, seven shorts on volunteers and their involvement have been made by young and upcoming film professionals; these will be screened during the educational and general programs of the Festival. We hope that the shorts will spark greater interest and awareness, specifically among younger generations, encouraging them to join one of the many volunteer initiatives on Curaçao.

1- Small Moments That Help by Refael Kariodimedjo about super volunteer Benedict Bito volunteering in Healthcare, Education and Sport.
2- Sin Warda Danki (Unconditional) by Alejandra Cijntje about Oma’s Care & Skol di Pueblo (Education)
3- Coral-ation by Giscard-Lemarque Johannes about Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao, Coral Reef Restoration Curacao (Environment)
4- Scouting, e pilarnan di nos komunidat (Scouting, the pillars of our community) by Timothy Vanblarcum about Scouting Antiano Curaçao.
5- Generashon na Kaminda (For the Upcoming Generation) by Alejandra Cijntje about D’art Curaçao (Culture).
6- Ku Hopi Amor (With A Lot of Love) by Giscard-Lemarque Johannes about Thuiszorg Banda ‘Bou (Healthcare).
7- Tuma buelo, un historia di Trupial (Take flight, a Trupial story) by Timothy Vanblarcum about Trupial Athletics Club Curacao (Sport).

Every film is 7min. and in Papiamento with English subtitels