The EIFF Young Critics Programme supports the next generation of film journalists, offering experience, skills and networking to young people with a passion for cinema.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT YEAR
We are looking for the next generation of film critics.
Are you a UK-based 18-25 year old wanting to start a career in film criticism? Wondering how to get started?
Edinburgh International Film Festival is offering an exciting opportunity to help you achieve your goal.
Over the course of four days you will:
- Be mentored by a professional critic
- Gain access to film screenings at this year’s EIFF
- Attend workshops and networking events
- Build a portfolio of reviews and have the opportunity to have your work published
Participants must be available for the duration of EIFF: 12th – 20th August.
Submissions close: 30 June 2022, 9:00 am.
HOW TO APPLY
Download the application form below.
The application form will ask you to write a 300-word review of a recent or classic film. Alternatively, you can submit a 3-minute podcast or video review.
Send your completed form to youngcritics@edfilmfest.org.uk with the subject line “YC Application” by 30 June, 9:00 am.
If you have additional support needs or are experiencing social-economic factors that impact your ability to complete this process, please email us before the deadline and we will try to provide support.
Please note that this programme will be run as an in-person event. You will stay in Edinburgh for the duration of the course. All travel and accommodation will be paid for and bursaries will be made available to those experiencing financial hardship.
All applicants should be available for the entire duration of this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. (Dates and time will be confirmed in due course).
Edinburgh International Film Festival is committed to tackling the lack of diversity in film criticism. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. In particular:
- Low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- Refugee and/or migrant backgrounds
- Those who are black, Asian, mixed heritage or ethnic minority
- Those who are disabled or D/deaf
- LGBTQIA+
We will be hosting Online Surgeries where we are happy to give you advice on your application. These will be hosted by Andrew Campbell (Youth Engagement and Events Manager) and Rafa Sales Ross (Community Engagement and Learning Manager).
The following slots are currently available:
- 9th June: 16:00 – 16:20
- 9th June: 16:25 – 16: 45
- 9th June: 16:50 – 17:10
- 9th June: 17:15 – 17: 35
- 16th June: 10:00 – 10:20
- 16th June: 10:25 – 10:45
- 16th June: 10:50 – 11:10
- 16th June: 11:15 – 11:35
To attend a surgery please email us at: youngcritics@edfilmfest.org.uk
Spaces are first-come, first-served. We will remove time slots from the above list as they become full.
This opportunity is possible due to the continued support of James and Morag Anderson.
If you are looking for inspiration you can read some of the articles written by last year’s Young Critics below:
Read the Young Critics Reviews from EIFF:
Young Critics Reviews | Ninjababy by Lauren Musa-Green
Young Critics Reviews | Bridging the Gap by Xuanlin Tham
Young Critics Reviews | Rebel Dykes by Beatrice Copland
Young Critics Reviews | The Justice of Bunny King by Sungleen Moon
Young Critics Reviews | Stop-Zemlia by Alix Hudson
Young Critics Reviews | Mandibles by Leeza Isaeva
Young Critics Reviews | The Deer King by Nathaniel Ashley
Young Critics Reviews | Absolute Denial by Jack Richardson
In August, Xuanlin Tham took part in our EIFF Young Critics Programme. By October, they were covering the London Film Festival for the very first time. How did it go?