Fancy being a student film critic at EIFF?

Getting started in film journalism can be tricky, but a fine place to learn the ropes is as part of Edinburgh International Film Festival’s Student Critics Competition. The aim of this annual competition open to UK-based students aged 18 to 26 is to “support the next generation of film journalists, offering experience, skills and networking opportunities to students with a passion for cinema,” says EIFF.

You don’t need to be studying film or journalism to take part. All that’s required is that you show off your potential as a budding Stephanie Zacharek or Anthony Lane by writing a 500-word review of a film and submit it to EIFF – recent or classic, the film choice is up to you. If vlogging or podcasting are more your thing, you can alternatively apply by recording a three-minute video or audio review instead.

All travel and accommodation is paid for during the winners' trip to the festival, and throughout course at EIFF (20-26 June) competition winners will also get the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the most experienced film journalists in the business. Last year’s mentors included Sight & Sound editor Nick James and sharp critic Simran Hans, who's part of the review team at the Observer.

You can read some of the writing from last year’s crop of EIFF Student Critics here, and full details of how to apply to take part in this year's competition can be found at www.edfilmfest.org.uk/studentcritics

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EIFF takes place 20 Jun-1 Jul