“The Film Review Workshop: step into the shoes of a film critic for a day, with Victor Fraga” offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of film criticism to everyone - from film fans and aspiring film reviewers to industry professionals - producers, filmmakers, script writers, programmers, PR agents, journalists, festival organisers etc. The skills acquired are valuable to all trades and are easily transferable to other areas of the film industry. Non-native English speakers will find that their mother tongue is an asset, not a handicap.
The lecturer of the workshop, Victor Fraga, is the founder and editor of DMovies, a leading indie publication in the UK for nine years, and PÖFF's trusted media partner for seven years. Fraga is also a filmmaker, producer and exhibitor. "Film criticism is a singular trade, one must function in tandem and yet independently from filmmaking. Film reviews should be fun and exciting to write, and readers should find the literature engaging and inspirational, not merely functional and descriptive," says Fraga.
The one-day training will also feature a short video lecture from a FIPRESCI film critic, who will be evaluating the films in the First Feature Competition at the festival.
The workshop will take place on the 10th of November (Sunday) in the Nordic Hotel Forum, from 10:00 to 18:00.
The objectives of the workshop are:
- To improve writing skills (the basic rules, focus on clarity and conciseness);
- To demonstrate that non-native English speakers have the ability to write effective and original reviews in English;
- To encourage audacity and innovation: just like film, film criticism is a creative art;
- To bust myths and prejudices associated with reviewing; and
- To review one short film, which will be edited and published by both PÖFF and DMovies. Each attendee will receive individual feedback on each review.
How to apply?
PÖFF is seeking participants from the three Baltic countries: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The workshop has no age limits, but requires English skills and a keen interest in the film industry.
Application form can be found HERE.
Read more about the workshop HERE.
Application deadline is the 15th of October.
The 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival takes place 8.–24. November, 2024
