At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in film criticism and write reviews for prestigious platforms.
- Company: Join the British Film Institute's award-winning Critics Mentorship Programme.
- Benefits: Paid mentorship, press accreditation, and travel support for those outside London.
- Other info: Full-time commitment required from 7 to 9 October 2026.
- Why this job: Kickstart your film journalism career with industry insights and networking opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, passionate about film, and from an underrepresented group.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Are you an aspiring film critic or journalist? If you’re writing reviews for blogs or social media but haven’t yet broken into established platforms, apply to the award-winning BFI London Film Festival Critics Mentorship Programme and gain industry mentorship and the opportunity to have your work published by LFF media partners and the BFI.
About the Mentorship Programme
The mentorship runs 7 to 9 October, offering access to press screenings and events, alongside opportunities to write reviews and features and build industry connections. Successful applicants will also attend the 70th BFI London Film Festival (7 to 18 October 2026). Mentees are paid the London Living Wage for work produced during the three days and receive full press accreditation for the full festival. Those based outside London may receive travel and accommodation support.
By the end, participants will have strengthened their film journalism skills, gained industry insight, expanded their portfolio, built professional networks, and received confirmation of completion. We continue to look at how we can better serve writers from underrepresented communities by offering mentorship that can pave the way to future opportunities for paid work in the media. As in previous years, we will be offering the 2026 Critics Mentorship to mentees from underrepresented voices in film criticism.
For this year, applicants should self-identify from the following underrepresented groups:
- Black, MENA (Middle East and North African), South Asian, South East Asian or East Asian background, including mixed ethnicity applicants
- D/deaf and disabled, including those who are neurodivergent or have a long term health condition
The BFI welcomes intersectionality across a number of areas. These include, gender, sexuality, age, religion, geographical location (nations and regions) and socioeconomic circumstances.
About You
- Applicants must be 18 and over with the right to work in the UK
- To be eligible you will have not had any written work published in/on a national print publication/online platform before.
- An interest in film with excellent writing skills
- The ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with BFI colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
- You will self-identify from one or more of the underrepresented groups as detailed above
- A commitment to continuous professional development and passion for film journalism
Due to the demands of the programme and the availability of Lead Mentors, applicants must be able to commit to the full schedule of activity, in particular being available full time from 7 to 9 October 2026, including evenings. Please do not apply if you are unavailable on these specific dates.
Interviews will be held online (via MS Teams) on Monday 29 June and Wednesday 1 July 2026. BFI support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation, recognises that they need to address under-representation within its teams. As such, they strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our underrepresented groups, who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority. They guarantee a place at the first stage selection process to underrepresented groups who meet the minimum requirements.
The closing date for this position is 04/06/2026 at 23:59.
BFI LFF Critics Mentorship Programme 2026 employer: Box
The British Film Institute (BFI) is an exceptional employer for aspiring film critics and journalists, offering a unique opportunity to participate in the prestigious Critics Mentorship Programme during the iconic BFI London Film Festival. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the BFI provides paid mentorship, access to industry events, and invaluable networking opportunities, all while fostering a supportive work culture that champions underrepresented voices in film criticism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BFI LFF Critics Mentorship Programme 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Attend film events, screenings, and workshops to meet industry folks. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for film! Create a blog or social media page where you share your reviews and thoughts on films. This not only showcases your writing skills but also helps you build an audience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you admire someone in the industry, drop them a message. Ask for advice or insights about their journey. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about supporting aspiring critics like you. Make sure to highlight your unique perspective and experiences in your application to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace BFI LFF Critics Mentorship Programme 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Film:Let your love for film shine through in your application! Share your experiences, favourite films, and what inspires you to write. We want to see your unique voice and perspective.
Tailor Your Writing Samples:Choose writing samples that best showcase your skills and style. Make sure they’re relevant to film criticism and highlight your ability to analyse and engage with cinematic content. We’re looking for originality!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to be yourself in your application. We value authenticity and want to hear your true thoughts and feelings about film. This is your chance to stand out, so let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Box
✨Know Your Film Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your film knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with recent films, directors, and trends in the industry. Being able to discuss your favourite films and why they resonate with you will show your passion for film journalism.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Prepare a couple of writing samples that highlight your unique voice and perspective. Whether it's a blog post or a social media review, make sure it reflects your style and understanding of film critique. This is your chance to shine!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Diversity
Since the BFI is keen on supporting underrepresented voices, be prepared to talk about your background and how it influences your perspective on film. Share your thoughts on the importance of diversity in film criticism and how you can contribute to this conversation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the mentorship programme, the BFI's initiatives, or the festival itself. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if this opportunity aligns with your career goals.
