FLC Academy Programs
2026 applications now open through June 18
The mission of the Film at Lincoln Center Academy Programs is to support the next generation of film artists and critics and to foster a film culture that encourages diverse storytelling and points of view. Designed for aspiring artists and critics early in their careers, the FLC Artists Academy and FLC Critics Academy offer tailored multiday workshops during the New York Film Festival, providing real-world experience and mentorship from leaders in their fields. 2026 applications are now being accepted until June 18. See details below.
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The FLC Critics Academy supports the next generation of film writers by offering invaluable experience in both the craft and business of film criticism, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for people from underrepresented communities. Early-career critics with a minimum of two years of experience creating original film criticism or journalism in online, print, and/or audiovisual formats are welcome to apply for a two-day workshop intensive during the New York Film Festival.
Past FLC Critics Academy participants have gone on to write for publications such as The Atlantic, Brooklyn Magazine, The Guardian, Huffington Post, L.A. Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, National Review, New Republic, New York Review of Books, Paper, The Paris Review, Remezcla, Reverse Shot, Vice, The Village Voice, Vulture, and more.
See details and apply below!
The FLC Artists Academy offers a tailored multiday workshop during the New York Film Festival for up to 12 emerging filmmakers and craftspeople. Academy participants will have the opportunity to meet with experienced filmmakers and industry professionals to discuss their work and continued development as creative professionals, gain invaluable insight into the process of collaboration, and learn strategies for making a sustainable living while focusing on creative endeavors.
Past mentors and speakers have included RaMell Ross, Christine Vachon, Steve McQueen, Kathryn Bigelow, Nico Muhly, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Rebeca Hunt, Joanna Arnow, Sarah Friedland, Joanna Hogg, Dawn Porter, Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson, the Safdie brothers, Alison Carter, Jon Read, and more.
See details and apply below!
The 2026 FLC Artists Academy includes:
- A three-day workshop intensive taking place in-person during NYFF64
- Panel discussions and case studies with filmmakers, craftspeople, and industry leaders
- Peer-to-peer roundtable discussions with FLC Artists Academy alumni
- Support in both career development and expanding the participants’ creative network
- A festival badge to attend NYFF64 press and industry screenings
- Invitations to select industry events during the festival
Please note: Participants’ travel and accommodations expenses will not be provided or reimbursed.
FLC Artists Academy applicant requirements:
- Directors, screenwriters, producers, cinematographers, editors, production designers, sound designers, composers, content creators, and other craftspeople working in narrative, documentary, and experimental film are welcome to apply
- Early career level with a minimum of two years of work experience in their field of filmmaking
- At least two years of post-high school education (e.g., traditional college, apprenticeships, professional certification, participation in other industry labs, etc.)
- Have a solid understanding of film culture and community
- Able to provide examples of their work (e.g., a completed project, work-in-progress, pitch doc/deck, etc.)
- Must be available to be on-site in New York City for the workshops and during the New York Film Festival
Filmmakers and craftspeople from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply as part of our commitment to increasing representation in the film space.
Apply now for the 2026 FLC Artists Academy! (deadline June 18 at 11:59pm ET)
To apply, please submit:
- Resume/CV
- Bio (100–150 words)
- A Statement of Intent based on the prompt below (500 words max.)
Tell us about your background and why you would make a strong candidate for the Artists Academy. Please mention if you have previously applied. Be sure to note any particular interests (genres, national cinemas, etc.). Passion and a deep knowledge of film history matter more than overall professional experience. - Choose any one of the following sample work, which can either be submitted as uploads or as a link in your initial statement:
- A link to previous film work (including passwords as needed)
- Work-in-progress
- Reference documents that can highlight your experience in the industry, such as script excerpts (up to first five pages), project synopsis (one page maximum), pitch deck for a documentary or narrative project, etc.
- 1–2 letters of recommendation/references (not required but encouraged)
Key Dates
- May 18: Applications open
- June 18: Applications close at 11:59pm ET
- July 24: Participants notified of their status
- September 16 – October 9: NYFF64 press and industry screenings
- September 25 – October 12: NYFF64 festival dates
- First week October (dates TBA): FLC Artists Academy three-day workshop
Applications will be accepted through June 18, 2026, and must be received by 11:59 PM ET. Please note that late submissions will not be considered.
The 2026 FLC Critics Academy includes:
- A two-day workshop intensive taking place in-person at FLC in mid-September before NYFF64. Subjects covered during the workshops will include:
- Pitching and freelancing
- Editorial process
- Covering film festivals
- Podcasting and interviewing best practices
- Social media for critics
- And more!
- A festival badge to attend NYFF64 press and industry screenings
- Opportunities to attend press screenings, write reviews of NYFF films, and be published in Film Comment and other established publications under the guidance of experienced editors
- Support in career development and expanding the participants’ professional network
- Invitations to select industry events during the festival
Please note: This workshop is aimed at New York City–based emerging critics. Participants’ travel and accommodations expenses will not be provided or reimbursed.
FLC Critics Academy applicant requirements:
- A minimum of two years of experience producing original film criticism in online, print, and/or audiovisual formats
- Familiarity with Film Comment’s publication history and style
- A solid understanding of film history, criticism, and culture
- At least two years of post-high school education (may include traditional college, apprenticeships, professional certifications, participation in other industry labs, etc.)
- Must be available on-site in New York City for the workshops and during the New York Film Festival
Critics from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply as part of our commitment to increasing their representation in the film journalism and criticism space.
Apply now for the 2026 FLC Critics Academy! (deadline June 18 at 11:59pm ET)
To apply, please submit:
- One-page resume/CV
- Bio (100–150 words)
- Statement of intent (500 words max.)
Tell us about your background and why you would make a strong candidate for the FLC Critics Academy. Please mention if you have previously applied. We encourage you to share any particular areas of interest (genres, styles, national cinemas, etc.). Passion, strong writing skills, and a deep knowledge of film history matter more than overall professional experience. - No more than two samples of original work, demonstrating strong writing abilities and an interest in and knowledge of arts/culture. Please send journalistic/critical samples as opposed to academic work.
- 1–2 references (not required but encouraged)
Key Dates
- May 18: Applications open
- June 18: Applications close at 11:59pm ET
- July 24: Participants notified of selection
- Mid-September (dates TBA): FLC Critics Academy two-day workshop
- September 16 – October 9: NYFF64 press and industry screenings
- September 25 – October 11: NYFF64 festival dates
Applications will be accepted from May 18 through June 18, 2026, and must be received by 11:59pm ET. Please note that late submissions will not be considered.
There’s definitely a before and after when it comes to the Artists Academy. To be selected by such a prestigious and respected institution as a young filmmaker gave me so much confidence.”
—Rebeca Huntt, 2018 Artist Academy alumni
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