Cast Commentary

Get to know the “cast” here at the Jacob Burns Film Center: the employees, volunteers, and interns who make it possible to bring over 400 films a year to the community.

Featuring Didi Kirtley, Membership/Customer Service Associate

What about your job do you find most satisfying?

I seem to be the resident “customer service guru” and all-around investigator for troubleshooting issues for both members and nonmembers. It’s incredibly satisfying to figure out a solution, and in particular help those people who may not be very computer-literate navigate online.

What about working at the JBFC might people find surprising?

Dealing with more than just “movies,” especially having the opportunity to take classes here and learning so much about the technical stuff—editing and putting a film together. I’ve used that opportunity to make my own videos from my travels around the world.

Talk about an important or influential experience in your life that sparked your interest in film. 

I became a JBFC member shortly after it opened, and also became a film club subscriber. I loved the experience at the Burns, and when “empty nest syndrome” hit, I decided to volunteer in the executive offices, helping out with mailings and other day-to-day activities. Before I knew it, a full year flew by and I was helping out with more and more stuff, including film club, and I was hooked. They finally changed my status from “volunteer” to “full time employee.”  After 14 years, I am now retiring and I will truly miss all the interactions with members, nonmembers, and fellow staff.

What’s currently decorating your work space?

Postcards and other mementos from my world travels… an “evil eye” magnet from Turkey, a miniature prayer wheel from Tibet… and photos of Colin Firth and George Clooney taken when they were guests at the JBFC.

What’s the first movie you ever saw in a theater?

Cleopatra on the very big screen at the Winter Garden Theater in NYC (when it was still a movie theater), with my father. Pomp and circumstance, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton—what more could a young girl want?

If you could have a one-on-one dinner with anybody in the world—living or dead—who would it be?

Michael Caine… I got to meet him when he was here at the Burns and I had him autograph both volumes of his memoirs, which are favorite books of mine. He’s a fascinating person from a working class background who has had some great roles over the years (my favorite being Peachy Carnehan in The Man Who Would Be King).