Future film critics to join David Stratton

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is calling for applications from film critics of the future, aged 13 – 20, for the chance to spend an hour with David Stratton and discuss the art of film criticism.

The opportunity coincides with the exhibition, Margaret and David: 25 Years Talking Movies, on Wednesday 17 August in Melbourne.

ACMI Screen Events Manager, Helen Simondson, says “This will be a wonderful opportunity for any young passionate film enthusiast to show their skills in the art of film review. If selected, they’ll share an hour with David to hear behind the scenes stories, ask questions of the master, and find out what it really takes to review the volume of films a professional critic must cover. It is really a once in a lifetime chance for any budding cinephile.”

The successful applicants will be chosen by David Stratton, and will go on to meet with him for afternoon tea.

ACMI’s Future Film Critics opportunity is open to applicants aged between 13 and 20 years of age, as of 1 June 2011. Applications must come in the form of a 50 words or less review of the applicant’s favourite film, along with their date of birth and a photograph of them in ‘film critic’ mode. Applications will only be accepted via email until Monday 8 August, with successful applicants notified by Friday 12 August.

The exhibition Margaret and David: 25 Years Talking Movies (17 August – 4 December 2011) will feature iconic reviews, interviews and discussions from ABC Television’s beloved film critics Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton, who celebrate 25 years on Australian television this year, and highlight the duo’s ongoing advocacy of the Australian film industry, support for art-house and foreign film, anti-censorship campaigns, and their substantial contribution to the field of film criticism.

Full details are available via www.acmi.net.au/intermix.aspx, with applications closing Monday 8 August.