Chicago Film Critics Association & Rotten Tomatoes Emerging Critics Program

The Chicago Film Critics Association & Rotten Tomatoes Emerging Critics Program supports up-and-coming voices in film and media criticism in the Chicagoland area. Learn more about last year’s selected honorees here. 

Eligibility

The Chicago Critics Film Festival Emerging Critics Program is an educational initiative co-founded by the CFCA and Rotten Tomatoes.

The program is open to college and graduate students, as well as all writers pursuing a career in film criticism; individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The program will be open to writers with three (3) years or less of experience in film and media criticism (defined as published bylines in any outlets, including self-established ones); college and graduate students are encouraged to apply, but the program is open to all, and any medium of coverage (written, broadcast, video, podcast, etc.) is acceptable.

Participants should be based in the Chicagoland area or surrounding region, as aligns with the regional focus of the CFCA membership and in order to most conveniently attend the Festival (program selection does not include travel, lodging or other incidental expenses).

Grant Award

Two (2) recipients will be selected and granted access to attend the 2024 Critics Festival as well as the following considerations:

Festival pass - access to all Festival screenings and events

Media Day - access to media interviews, receptions and interactions, as available

Mentoring Hours - one-on-one critics mentoring with CFCA Members

RottenTomatoes.com Editorial - opportunity to pitch top editorial staff for Critics Fest and general film coverage

One (1) $2,500 grant, plus a $100 Fandango gift card

Application

Interested parties should submit an application via this form by April 10th. Please note, the form requires a personal statement (doc, PDF or video) that outlines your experience, inspiration and goals in the profession, as well as links to three (3) to six (6) work samples.

(Current CFCA Members Are Not Eligible For This Program.)