Applications are open for our 2024 Youth Jury Programme. Now in its 18th year, the scheme aims to offer young people the opportunity to learn more about, or take the first step to entering the film and media industry.
Five young film enthusiasts will get the chance to meet experts and professionals within the film industry, watch and shortlist films for the Festival, and choose the winner of the Youth Jury Award announced at our Awards Ceremony in June!
Previous Youth Jury Award-winning films have included: Anhell69 (2023), Alis (2022), If god were a woman / Si dios fuera mujer (2021), Baracoa (2019), Amal (2018), 69 Minutes of 86 Days (2017), Sonita (2016), 3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets (2015) and The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (2014).
Past youth jurors have gone on to work with organisations including the BBC, Channel 4 and ITN; made shorts and feature length documentaries for commissioners including BBC Three; programmed films, produced panels for festivals and gone on to write for Sight & Sound magazine.
Eligibility
Applications are open to anyone aged 18-23, who are based in the UK, and have a passion for documentary and the media industry. No specific experience or qualifications are required to take part.
This programme is free to apply to, and take part in.
What's On Offer?
- Successful participants will be invited to a two-day workshop in London, 15 - 16 February 2024
- Participants will attend a further one-day workshop in April 2024 in Sheffield to finalise their programme nominations and to prepare for the festival
- During the workshops you will meet with individuals from organisations from across the film, media and creative industries
- Youth Jurors will receive a full Festival Pass to attend Sheffield DocFest 2024
- Youth Jurors will attend screenings of the selected Youth Jury films and a deliberation during the Festival, selecting the winner of the 2024 Youth Jury Award
- Travel and accommodation costs will be provided for the London and Sheffield workshops, and for the duration of the Festival.
Availability
You will need to be available for the following activity:
- Interviews (online): 23 - 24 January 2024
- London Workshop: 15 - 16 February 2024
- Sheffield Workshop: April 2024 (date TBC)
- The Festival: 12 - 17 June 2024
How to Apply
To apply to our 2024 Youth Jury Programme, you can either complete a written application form or send us a video application.
The deadline to apply is Friday 12 January 2024, 12:00 (midday) GMT. If you have any enquiries regarding the programme, application process, or if you need to access the application form in an alternative format, please contact: recruitment@sheffdocfest.com
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