MWFF Critics Lab 2026: Apply Now
The MWFF Critics Lab is an initiative to support the development of a new generation of screen critics. We bring great people together to facilitate discussion of screen culture, celebrate established critics, and mentor emerging talent.
We are excited to open the call for applications for Critics Lab 2026. As part of the MWFF Critics Lab, participants will be involved in workshops and masterclasses with established screen critics and will produce content for publication before, during and after the festival. Those involved in the MWFF Critics Lab will be granted access to films, publicity materials, guests and networking opportunities throughout the festival.
MWFF Critics Lab is open to people of marginalised genders, including women, non-binary folks, trans men and people with Indigenous gender identities. We accept applications from future critics from Melbourne and throughout Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the island nations of the wider Moana Oceania. However, if you are not based in Melbourne, you will need to fund your own travel to the festival.
Successful applicants will be embedded in the festival, which runs in Melbourne from March 19-23, 2026. Critics Lab mentees will need to be able to attend the festival each day for screenings, panels, workshops, writing and editing sessions, and networking opportunities. We also run Critics Lab workshops in the two weeks before the festival. Dates/times for these workshops are TBC, but we usually aim to host these online for accessibility.
How do I apply?
Applications should be sent to whitney@mwff.org.au by midnight January 12th 2026.
What do I need to submit?
A cover letter. In your letter, please tell us a little about yourself. We’d also like to know:
Why you think film criticism is important and what inspires you as a critic
What you hope to get out of the program
Any previous experience you've had (it's ok if you haven't had any!)
A writing sample (max 300 words)