The International Film Festival Rotterdam supports film making, film producing and journalistic talent on several levels: the main festival section ‘Bright Future’ (including competitions for feature length and short films) presents recent works by first and second time filmmakers; Rotterdam’s Hubert Bals Fund contributes to film projects in developing countries and CineMart organizes a trainee project for young film producers (Rotterdam Lab) in close collaboration with its partner organizations. Recognizing the important role of film criticism to the perception of independent cinema, the Rotterdam film festival organizes a trainee project for young film critic.

The IFFR Trainee Project

The IFFR Trainee Project for Young Film Critics is a talent development program that offers up to six young (under 30 years), motivated and talented professional film critics from outside The Netherlands a chance to travel abroad for covering a major international film festival, to get acquainted with the Rotterdam film festival in particular and the broad range of independent cinema it offers.

The program of the Trainee Project includes taking part in the Rotterdam FIPRESCI Jury meetings; exploring an assigned part of the festival; publishing a blog on the IFFR website and writing up to three contributions for the festival’s newspaper Daily Tiger; taking part in expert meetings; reporting about the festival for own affiliation(s).

 Eligibility criteria

• Age under 30 years
• Fluent command of the English language (written and spoken)
• Demonstrable experience in film criticism (printed media, radio/television, online)
• Not yet established enough to profit from facilities as attending international film festivals outside your country
• Have agreement(s) with printed and/or online media to publish a report or reports on the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2013

Gainings

• Complimentary IFFR 2013 press accreditation
• Budget hotel accommodation in Rotterdam from January 24 – February 2, 2013
• Part of travel costs according to country of origin
• The IFFR wants its trainee film critics to really participate in the festival. The trainees will form a team, hosted by the IFFR Press Office and supported by the Daily Tiger Editorial Staff. Each trainee will take part in the trainee program. There will however be time to explore all aspects of the International Film Festival Rotterdam – screenings, exhibitions, Q&A sessions, debates.

How to apply?

Your application should include all of the following documents and information:

• A motivation letter to support your application: explain why this project and the Rotterdam festival appeals to you.
• Your resume (CV) including your contact details and date of birth.
• Up to three proofs of recent work you published on (independent) film or film festivals. If not in English, provide English translations to demonstrate your command of this language. If you work for a print medium, send in a complete copy.
• Information about your affiliation(s): title, name of chief editor, postal address, phone number, email account, periodicity, circulation, web address, estimated unique page views per month.
• A recommendation letter (on company letterhead) of your principal affiliation’s chief editor assigning you to cover IFFR 2013 and confirming that your IFFR 2013 report will be published.
• send your application by mail to press@filmfestivalrotterdam.com or by land mail to IFFR Press Office, PO Box 21696, 3001 AR Rotterdam, The Netherlands until 2 November, 2012