Sure, everyone’s a critic. But maybe you actually want to do it for a living. Do you wish everyone understood why Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was so good? Do you find yourself mumbling “Two thumps up!” in your sleep? Do you get personalized birthday cards from Netflix? If you checked yes to any of the above, have we got the opportunity for you. Famed film blog Indiewire has announced that it is accepting applications for a Critics Academy workshop, which will give a select number of applicants the opportunity to cover the upcoming New York Film Festival alongside some of the biggest names in New York film journalism. “☆☆☆☆!”
A joint partnership between the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Locarno Film Festival, Indiewire’s Critics Academy will place a lucky few aspiring film critics in the buzzy festival environment at this year’s NYFF, now in its 53rd year. Participants covering the festival will be mentored by Indiewire co-founder Eugene Hernandez, as well as some of the senior editors of Film Comment. The academy begins a few days prior to the festival, with roundtable discussions and the chance to attend private press screenings.
Eligibility requirements are a little confusing, so listen close: applicants must have a minimum of three years’ undergraduate experience in film journalism or the like, but no more than two years’ professional experience creating journalistic content about movies. You’ve also got to demonstrate a strong interest in the field, obviously, and live in the greater New York area.
Think you got what it takes, kid? Send your one-page CV, five writing samples about film, and a 500-word statement of intent—all in attachment form, as per their request—to criticsacademy[at]filminc.com by July 31. Applicants will be notified by August 10.