My name is Amalachi Ezeokafor, and in a few weeks, I will enter my third year as an Economics major, minoring in Urban Studies and Hispanic Studies. This summer, I developed and honed my event planning and digital marketing skills, as well as gained more experience in public speaking at Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF). I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to intern there, and I would work here again in a heartbeat.
My aspiration to work at RPFF is deeply rooted in my belief in the power of diverse storytelling and the need for equitable representation in the media industry. I am driven by the desire to amplify historically marginalized and underrepresented voices. I believe that every individual has a unique perspective and story to share, and by providing a platform for low-income and BIPOC filmmakers, RPFF brings forth narratives that offer fresh insights, challenge stereotypes, and foster empathy across communities. In addition to uplifting low-income and BIPOC voices, RPFF aims to elevate the stories of people living in public housing within Regent Park, Toronto. Where often they would not be able to have their voices heard, RPFF allows them to share their art and stories.
As the Operations and Volunteers intern, I was instrumental in advancing and supporting the RPFF team's operations in a number of essential areas. I participated in the planning and execution of events, ensuring their successful implementation through rigorous study and committed effort. My responsibilities included diverse tasks, from coordinating event logistics and volunteer transportation to managing volunteer orientation and schedules. I oversaw sourcing cost-effective solutions and vendors to optimize our budget while delivering impactful programming to the community. I facilitated the setup and takedown of substantial equipment like 3000lb water ballasts, integral for anchoring a sizable inflatable screen. In addition, I led groups of volunteers, providing supervision, training, and fostering a collaborative environment. My involvement extended to the procurement of essential services, equipment, and refreshments, successfully catering to both volunteers and event attendees. Through active engagement, I offered valuable insights to refine schedules and checklists, contributing to the team's overall efficiency. In the spirit of camaraderie, I readily supported other RPFF departments, ensuring my contribution to the organization's mission was felt.
The main highlight of my time at RPFF was definitely the Under the Stars Festival. We celebrated ten years of showing movies in the big park this year, and I felt fortunate to be part of the process. Seeing the power that art, specifically movies, had to bring the community together made me very proud to be interning at RPFF this summer.
My internship posed a significant challenge in the form of overcoming my aversion to public speaking, a source of persistent anxiety. This was particularly evident during the "Under the Stars" event, where each member of the RPFF team was required to present before the audience. The presentation encompassed a comprehensive overview of the event, the organization's mission, and a brief overview of the featured film. Initially, fearing vocal tremors and verbal slip-ups, I opted out of this speaking role. However, as the event date approached, I recognized that confronting this fear head-on was the only way to experience personal growth. I requested a speaking role, discussing this with our Executive Director, Kalpana, who supported my decision. When it came time to speak, I was pretty nervous about addressing the audience. However, my fear gradually faded as I began speaking, replaced by growing self-assurance. This experience highlighted the broader significance of overcoming my anxieties, presenting to a large audience, professional growth, and personal empowerment. Essentially, it emphasized the transforming effect of overcoming internal fears and developing increased self-confidence along one's work journey.
I am not receiving academic credit for this internship. Still, I am honoured to have received The Toronto Women, Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) Internship Award, and I would like to thank the donors dearly. I am grateful for my RPFF experience and what it taught me about leadership and perseverance. This internship has been life-changing, promoting personal growth via event planning, public speaking, and elevating marginalized voices. The WLP Internship Award recognizes this experience and inspires me to continue learning more. I'm appreciative of RPFF's lessons and prepared to use them for the rest of this academic year.
