Barbican Young Film Programmers

About the Open Call

Transform your passion for film into practice by curating, marketing and delivering the Chronic Youth film festival at the Barbican. The Barbican Young Film Programmers is a talent development programme where young people work collaboratively to turn their love for cinema into a dynamic experience. As a collective, you will curate, market, and deliver the annual Chronic Youth Film Festival. Through the programme, you’ll gain insights into the ins and outs of film curation, expand your networks of filmmakers and industry professionals, and deepen your knowledge of the film sector. This culminates in you determining the themes, film programme, and connected public events for the festival. What you'll gain: Mentorship from industry-leading experts; Access to a network of professionals working in film, as well as connection to a community of fellow curators and programmers at the Barbican; Hands on experience programming and delivering a large-scale film festival, gaining practical skills in marketing, event planning, decision-making, and live hosting skills; Greater knowledge of film and the film industry; Access to Barbican screenings, exhibitions and shows. What you'll do: Work as a collective to deliver the Chronic Youth Film Festival; Organise the public facing events, such as Q&As, panel discussions, workshops etc.; Liaise with film makers, film distributors and various Barbican departments; Conduct audience research and create an outreach plan to market to target audiences; Contribute to the overall design of the festival, including posters, social media assets and foyer spaces.

What is Offered

Mentorship from industry-leading experts, access to a network of professionals working in film, hands-on experience programming and delivering a large-scale film festival (gaining practical skills in marketing, event planning, decision-making, and live hosting skills), greater knowledge of film and the film industry, access to Barbican screenings, exhibitions and shows. A bursary fund is available to assist in covering the cost of travel, childcare, Wi-Fi, or other costs that would prevent your application or participation.

Requirements

Young people aged 16–29; Open-minded, enthusiastic, and passionate about public programming, film and/or other creative disciplines; Open to trying something new and challenging yourself; Enjoy and thrive working as part of a collaborative team, able to advocate for your ideas whilst making space for others too; Confident you’ve time to fully commit to the programme, all session dates, and work in between sessions, with the ability to meet various deadlines; No prior qualifications needed.

How to Apply

Fill in this online application form by Sunday 31 August, 11:59pm. Filmed/audio recorded answers to questions 6-9 in Section 3 of the form are welcome. For all other questions please write in the box provided. If you do not include answers in sections 1-2 it will affect the outcome of your application as this is essential info. Once applications are reviewed, shortlisted applicants are required to attend an in-person recruitment workshop which serves as a chance for our team to get to know you within the context of the group setting as well as for you to get a taste of the programme itself and if it’s right for you. If you are unable to attend the in-person workshop, an online meet up can be arranged during the w/c Monday 22 September. After the recruitment workshop, a panel made up of Isra Al Kassi, Lauren Brown (Young Creatives Producer) and Rikky Onefeli (Assistant Young Creative Producer) will decide the final cohort, based on the written application and recruitment workshop.