EIFF Critical Writing Commissions 2023

In 2023, Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) will showcase writing by Scottish and Scotland-based writers in a series of publications.

The inaugural EIFF Critical Writing Commissions seek bold and eclectic pitches that engage with film culture and find expansive ways to explore a central theme or provocation. In 2023, in light of EIFF’s own changing nature, the theme is cinema and metamorphosis. We are also keen for writers to engage with the EIFF 2023 programme, thinking through the films, filmmakers, craft and art of the films presented.

The programme will invite nine Scottish or Scotland-based mid-career cultural critics, reviewers, or writers with 3-5 years experience to work with a professional editor to produce a piece of writing to be published. An additional event during the festival will give space for feedback from international press guests, to develop their voice and their understanding of the publishing industry, and to support them in reaching an international audience.

With acknowledgement of the barriers for progression for people engaging in cultural leadership, we particularly encourage applications from those currently under-represented in film writing, inclusive of global majority voices, those from low-income/socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, women and non-binary folk, and disabled or d/Deaf applicants.

Deadline for applications: 6pm BST, Thursday 13 July 2023.

Please read our full guidelines for information on how to apply.

For questions not answered in our guidelines, do get in touch at criticalwriting@edfilmfest.org.uk