In partnership with Film Comment, 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 audio/video formats are welcome to apply.
Participants will join a two-day intensive workshop during the New York Film Festival where established members of the industry—including working critics, editors, filmmakers, distributors, and publicists—will cover topics including pitching and freelancing, the editorial process, covering festivals, podcasting practices, social media for critics, and more.
Under the guidance of Film Comment editors, participants will receive assignments to attend press screenings, write reviews of NYFF films, and will have the opportunity to be published on the Film Comment website. Participants will also have the opportunity to pitch story ideas to other outlets. They will receive a New York Film Festival press badge and invitations to attend select industry events during the festival.
Past 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.
Applications for the 2023 FLC Critics Academy are now open here. Applicants should have completed at least two years of post-high school education (may include traditional college, apprenticeships, professional certification, participation in other industry labs, etc.) and will be required to submit writing samples and a statement of intent. They must be available to be on-site in New York City for the workshops and during the New York Film Festival. Critics from underrepresented communities (in particular women and BIPOC) are strongly encouraged to apply as part of our commitment to increasing their representation in the film journalism and criticism space.
The deadline to apply is June 2, and notifications will be made by July 14.
Meet our past participants!
