8th IFFR Trainee Project for Young Film Critics at the 35th International Film Festival Rotterdam (January 25 - February 5, 2006)
The eighth IFFR Trainee Project for Young Film Critics of the International Film Festival Rotterdam offers three young (under 30 years), motivated and talented film critics a chance to get acquainted with the festival and the cinema of the world. The project was created in 1998 motivated by the fact that young and upcoming film critics get less opportunities to explore this range of cinema and the festivals, like the International Film Festival Rotterdam, that present it. The IFFR also organises trainee projects for young film producers (Rotterdam Talent Lab) and young filmmakers from Europe (Passions & Promises).
In the past seven editions we welcomed trainee film critics from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, France, Hungary, India, Italy, Lithuania, Russia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, UK and USA.
Mila Voinikova (Bulgaria), participant in 2000: "If it wasn't for the trainee project I would have never had the chance to visit a big festival like this. I met lots of interesting people, saw films from all over the world, and was inspired by the spirit of the festival for my future work. It was very interesting to hear discussions of experienced critics. And since the project, the editors leave me more freedom in writing and choosing films."
What to expect:
We offer three young film critics a press accreditation, budget hotel accommodations during the festival and (part of) their airfare according to their country of origin. The trainees are allowed to use all the press facilities and will have time to explore all aspects of the festival, the film and exhibitions programme as well as the debates and talk shows. The trainees will operate among hundreds of international critics, and are supported to meet filmmakers and industry representatives.
We want the selected film critics to really participate in the festival: attend the FIPRESCI Jury meetings, contribute to the IFFR Daily Tiger and/or report their experiences on the IFFR website. In addition, they should work on articles to be published in their home country. The three trainees will form a small team, supported by the IFFR Press Office and Daily Tiger Editorial Staff.
Criteria for application:
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 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 2006.
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, signed with your name, of recent work published on (independent) film or film festivals (including English translations). We appeciate receiving complete copies of your affiliation with your articles or reviews.
- Information about your affiliation(s) (title, name of chief editor, address, phone, fax, email account, periodicity, circulation, web address, estimated page views per month).
- a recommendation letter (on company letterhead) of your principal affiliation's editor assigning you to cover IFFR 2006 and confirming that your IFFR 2006 report will be published.
Deadline for applications: Friday November 11, 2005, notification before Dec 9, 2005. Applications can be send by email to press@filmfestivalrotterdam.com
and/or by regular mail to
IFFR, Attn. Press Department
PO Box 21696, 3001 AR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Rotterdam Film Festival website: www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com
Chatelin Bruno 
