If you’re hoping to break into the film criticism field, this workshop is for you. The Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) and Film Comment magazine are now accepting applications for the sixth Critics Academy, a program for emerging film critics to be held during the 2018 New York Film Festival (NYFF). The fest runs September 28-October 14.

The Critics Academy is designed to “nurture promising writers and provide a valuable platform to launch their careers.” Ten applicants will be selected for the 2018 workshop and be given the chance to attend and cover NYFF screenings, participate in roundtable discussions with veteran critics and industry members, and workshop their writing with Film Comment editors.

Past Critics Academy participants’ work has appeared in outlets such as Film Comment, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Review of Books, The Village Voice, and Vulture.

“We’ve been inspired by the dynamic and talented writers who come through this program, many of whom have begun making names for themselves in the industry. We learn as much from our selected critics as hopefully they learn from the program,” said Michael Koresky, FSLC’s Director of Editorial and Creative Strategy. “Though we know it continues to be a difficult moment for the state of film criticism as a profession, we feel the Critics Academy remains a helpful and committed workshop for an excitingly engaged and diverse ascendant generation of film writers.”

Ideal Critics Academy candidates will have concluded their academic studies within the past five years, and will have no more than two years’ worth of experience in professional film criticism. Travel expenses and housing will not be provided to Critics Academy attendees.

In order to apply to the Critics Academy, email the materials below to criticsacademy@filmlinc.org by Monday, August 6:

• CV: A basic, one-page resume.
• Three articles or film reviews written in English. Please refrain from including lengthy academic papers or other scholarly materials that may not give an accurate reflection of the applicant’s capacity to succeed in this workshop.
• One sample of another writer’s piece of critical writing that you find particularly compelling, intelligent, or provocative, with a short paragraph explaining why.
• An approximately 500-word statement of intent. Tell us about your background and why you would make an ideal candidate for the Critics Academy. Make sure to note any particular interests (genres, national cinemas, etc.). Passion, strong writing skills, and a deep knowledge of film history matter more than overall professional experience.

Accepted critics will be notified by Monday, August 20. To find out more about Critics Academy, visit FSLC’s website.