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- Tasks: Join the BFI London Film Festival Critics Mentorship to enhance your film journalism skills.
- Company: The BFI is a leading organisation promoting film culture and diversity in the industry.
- Benefits: Receive paid mentorship, full press accreditation, and travel support for non-London applicants.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience, network with industry professionals, and have your work published.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, passionate about film, and from an underrepresented group in film criticism.
- Other info: Commitment required from 8-11 October 2025; interviews on 22 & 26 August.
Apply now to the award-winning BFI London Film Festival 2025 Critics Mentorship Programme for your chanceto be mentored by industry media professionals and have your work published by LFF media partners and the BFI.
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 2025 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 applicants, 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 the Mentorship Programme
Successful applicants will be invited to experience the 69th BFI London Film Festival (8-19 October 2025) as an accredited press delegate plus participate in an online induction session on 9 September, where they will meet the BFI LFF teams, their programme lead mentors, fellow mentees as well as their paired media partner mentors to be taken through the mentorship programme.
The mentorship programme will be intensive, running for four full days from 8-11 October 2025, with full access to press screenings and events, writing reviews and features, plus additional interview opportunities and an array of networking opportunities. The LFF Critics Mentorship Programme won the 2022 Big Screen Award for Best Diversity & Inclusion Initiative.
Mentees will be paid the London Living Wage for work produced during the four-day programme and will have full press accreditation for the 12-day duration of the LFF (8-19 October 2025). Mentees from outside London will be eligible for accommodation and travel to participate in the four-day programme.
By the end of the programme, participants will have improved their film journalism skills and understanding of the industry and will have gained professional work experience, new work for their portfolio, industry contacts and a document of confirmation of having completed the placement.
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 8 to 11 October 2025, including evenings. Please do not apply if you are unavailable on these specific dates.
Interviews will be held on 22 & 26 August 2025
The closing date for this position is 01/08/2025 at 23:59
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LFF Critics Mentorship Programme 2025 employer: Box
Contact Detail:
Box Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land LFF Critics Mentorship Programme 2025
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BFI and the London Film Festival. Understanding their mission, values, and previous mentorship success stories can help you articulate why you're a great fit for the programme during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with past mentees or industry professionals who have been involved with the BFI. They can provide valuable insights into what to expect and how to make the most of the mentorship experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your passion for film journalism and any relevant experiences you have, even if they are informal. This will show your commitment and enthusiasm for the field during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of underrepresented voices in film criticism. Think about how your unique perspective can contribute to the programme and the wider film community.
We think you need these skills to ace LFF Critics Mentorship Programme 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Programme: Familiarise yourself with the LFF Critics Mentorship Programme. Read through the job description carefully to understand the eligibility criteria, the mentorship structure, and what is expected from you as a mentee.
Craft Your Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for film journalism, your writing skills, and your commitment to professional development. Make sure to mention how you identify with one or more of the underrepresented groups specified in the application.
Prepare Your Writing Samples: Since applicants must not have had any written work published in national print or online platforms, consider including personal projects or reviews that showcase your writing style and understanding of film. Ensure these samples are polished and reflect your best work.
Double-Check Your Application: Before submitting, review your entire application for clarity and accuracy. Ensure all required documents are included, and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements, especially regarding availability during the programme dates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Box
✨Show Your Passion for Film
Make sure to express your genuine interest in film and film journalism during the interview. Share specific examples of films that have inspired you or any relevant experiences that showcase your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Highlight Your Writing Skills
Since excellent writing skills are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your writing process. You might even want to bring along a sample of your work, if applicable, to demonstrate your ability to craft engaging narratives.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Diversity
Given the programme's focus on underrepresented voices, it's important to articulate your understanding of diversity in film criticism. Discuss how your background or experiences shape your perspective and how you can contribute to a more inclusive dialogue in the industry.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the mentorship programme and the BFI. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the programme aligns with your career goals.
