Applications are now open through June 18 for the 2026 Film at Lincoln Center Academy Programs.  

The mission of the FLC Academy Programs is to support the next generation of film artists and critics and to foster a film culture that embraces diverse storytelling and points of view.

With an emphasis on participation from underrepresented communities, the FLC Artists Academy and FLC Critics Academy offer tailored multiday workshops during the 64th New York Film Festival (September 25 – October 12, 2026), providing real-world experience and mentorship from professionals in their fields.

FLC Artists Academy

2025 Artists Academy. Photo by Colleen Sturtevant.

The FLC Artists Academy offers up to 10 emerging filmmakers and craftspeople a three-day workshop intensive, giving them 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. 

Directors, screenwriters, producers, cinematographers, editors, production designers, sound designers, composers, content creators, and other craftspeople working with a minimum of two years of work experience in their field are welcome to apply.  

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

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. 

Read more information and apply here. The deadline for applications is June 18, and applicants will be notified by July 24.

FLC Critics Academy

2025 Critics Academy. Photo by Arin Sang-urai.

The FLC Critics Academy gives up to eight emerging critics the opportunity to connect with experienced professionals, gain insights into the creative and editorial process, and learn the practical realities of being a working critic.

The 2026 FLC Critics Academy includes:

• A two-day workshop intensive taking place in-person at FLC in mid-September. 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

Early-career critics with a minimum of two years of experience producing original film criticism in online, print, and/or audiovisual formats are welcome to apply. 

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.

Read more information and apply here. The deadline for applications is June 18, and applicants will be notified by July 24.