Doha Tribeca Film Festival 2012 has just opened up applications for volunteers.

Volunteering at the DTFF is very popular, particularly amongst Qatar’s younger residents.

This year, however, the festival is limiting applications to over 18s only, as it has explained on its Facebook page.

“Hey amazing volunteers! We want you all in our team, but this year we had some changes in the Volunteer Programme’s Rules and Regulations and we had to introduce the age limit (18 years old and over). We will miss all our great under 18 years old volunteers, but we will meet again as soon as you are 18! Meanwhile, be part of the DTFF experience as our audience! You will enjoy every second of it.”

Many would-be teen volunteers have been voicing their frustrations on social media.

Writing on Facebook, Ñøttî said:

“More than half of the volunteers were below 18 last year. It should be all ages like last time. Last year was amazing because all ages were included for volunteering and the festival went great. Many people were looking forward for this festival and now it’s really disappointing that there is an age limit. Kind request – please make it 15+ “

Anushka said:

“The major population of the volunteers belong between the 14-18 age group. We bring life to DTFF. We , the youth, are more enthusiastic and hard working. This needs to be taken under consideration again.”

The volunteer role certainly sounds fun – with free screenings and workshops, star spotting and valuable industry experience all part of the package.

Volunteers who work during the festival (17 – 24 November) must commit to at least five shifts, ranging from three to six hours. Volunteers receive a voucher to attend a screening or panel for each shift they complete. 

Some critics of the over-18 only decision suggest that older volunteers may not have the time required to commit fully to the volunteering role. 

Will you be taking part? Are you under 18, and upset you can’t volunteer this year?

Credit: Photo courtesy of the DTFF Volunteer website