Open call for 2ANNAS Emerging Critics Workshop

For the third year in a row during 2ANNAS FORUM, from 11 to 16 April, 2026, three selected participants from the Baltic countries will have an opportunity to participate in a four-day intensive workshop led by established film critic, programmer and short film programme coordinator Michiel Philippaerts.

PROGRAMME

The Emerging Critics Workshop aims to empower young voices in film criticism, fostering a community of engaged and informed critics. The workshop will offer participants the opportunity to engage deeply with the art of film criticism, enhancing their skills in analysis, writing, and, in the context of the theme of this year's festival – alternative.

The workshop will provide both – theory and practice – and will begin with online lectures over  two week period in March 2026 via Zoom platform, where three selected participants from the Baltic countries will have an opportunity to gain knowledge of the fundamentals of film criticism, and reach its high point at the festival in Riga from 11 to 16 April, where participants will have access to the films of the 2ANNAS Baltic competition programme in order to really exercise and implement their newly developed skills, as well as conduct, write and publish interviews. With the support of the mentor, participants will also choose one winner of the Emerging Critics' Choice Award.

The workshop will be structured to accommodate individuals without age restrictions, regardless of their previous experience in film criticism, including past applicants.

MENTOR

Michiel Philippaerts has been a programmer and short film coordinator for Film Fest Gent since 2019, following two years as a program assistant. He has curated and organized several local film festivals in Ghent and served as a jury member for the Dutch-Belgian Visser-Neerlandia Prize for Scenario in 2018, 2019, and 2021. As a film critic, he contributes to Kortfilm.be and Talking Shorts.

For the 50th edition of Film Fest Gent, Michiel coordinated and curated 2x25, an anniversary project pairing 25 renowned film composers – such as Howard Shore, Eiko Ishibashi, and Gustavo Santaolalla – with 25 directors, including Terence Davies, Radu Jude, and Ildikó Enyedi. He became a member of the short film committee of the Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF) in 2021 and has served on several juries across the Benelux.

BENEFITS

Selected participants will benefit from the free festival's accreditation and their accommodation and meals will be covered. 

There is no entry or participation fee.

REQUIREMENTS

• The workshop is aimed at everyone who is born or resides in Estonia, Lithuania or Latvia. 
• One participant will be chosen from each Baltic country by the team of 2ANNAS.
• Applicants have to have a proficient English language (both spoken and written);
• Applicants must be able to cover their travel expenses to and from the Workshop.
• With the application, the applicant confirms a full participation in the workshop. (Date of arrival: 11 April; date of departure: 16 April);
• Applicants must have a strong motivation to learn more about film journalism and critics.
• Previous experience with short films and/or in cinema is appreciated.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

In order to participate, please fill the application form (https://forms.gle/uy9qToaFk2NanPcZ9)
by 31 January, 23:59 EEST.

Results will be announced by February 25th. 

• Writing sample can be an analysis / interview / article and other written works;
• The writing sample must be approx. 2000 words long, motivational letter approx.1000 words.
• Application and workshop language is English;

For more information, please contact Diāna Trope diana@2annas.lv 

Critics' Workshop is organised with the financial support of Latvian National Film Centre.