A comprehensive peak into Film Festival programming, from screener to screening.
Cork International Film Festival is delighted to announce the return of its Young Programmers Project and is looking for four young cinephiles interested in joining this special, 70th anniversary edition of the Festival.
Under the tutelage of CIFF’s programming team, the Young Programmers panel will learn about the curatorial process of film festivals, developing a comprehensive understanding of festival programming, from screener to screening, along with licensing and distribution, event management and networking, marketing and promotion.
CIFF’s Young Programmers will support our programming team in the selection of the films eligible for the festival’s Lookout Award (youth Jury award) and will present the Lookout films to the public during the Festival in November 2025.
“I’m so glad the festival exists, and that you guys run the Young Programmers Project. It really makes a difference in the lives of us who so often only get to appreciate films in isolation” – 2024 Participant
The aim of this project is to provide young cinephiles with a professional training opportunity to engage with the film festival industry, and involve young people in programming and presenting films to their peers.
To apply, please send the following to si@corkfilmfest.org by Friday, 18th April, 2025:
- A cover letter elaborating on your interest in cinema and in CIFF’s Young Programmers project.
- A short (200 words max) review of a feature film that you have watched in the last year.
Confirm that you are eligible to be part of the programme, as per the following requirements:
- 18 – 24 years old at the time of application
- Strong interest in Irish and international cinema
- Cork-based and available to attend 3-4 meetings in-person in Cork between May and September. The meetings will be scheduled taking into account participants’ availability.
- Available to watch 15 to 20 feature films between May and September and provide feedback on each.
- Available to participate in the promotion of the Festival’s Lookout programme between mid-October and mid-November.
- Available to attend the 70th edition of Cork International Film Festival 6th-16th November 2025 and introduce the relevant screenings.
