The Another Story Lab: training the next generation of film critics Within this framework, Cineuropa will organise a series of Critics’ Labs across partner festivals, starting with the first edition at Doxumentale in Berlin (28–31 May 2026). Cineuropa is the leading European platform dedicated to cinema, offering daily news, interviews and in-depth coverage of the industry. Alongside its editorial work, it has developed a strong track record in training emerging film critics and journalists through workshops held at major festivals across Europe. The Critics’ Lab builds on this experience, particularly the GoCritic! Programme, the first pan- European training initiative for young film journalists, as well as collaborations such as Meet the Industry Bootcamp (MIOB), launched in Les Arcs and further developed in Trieste. These initiatives share a common goal: to strengthen critical voices in European cinema by combining practical writing exercises with direct exposure to the festival environment and the film industry. The Berlin lab will select seven participants, offering them an intensive, workshop-based experience focused on film criticism. 

The programme will cover hospitality costs, while participants will engage in daily writing assignments, editorial discussions and mentoring sessions. Their work will be guided and potentially published through Another Story website, ensuring both visibility and professional development opportunities. In line with the editorial vision of Another Story, the Critics’ Lab will place a strong emphasis on writing about films by women and on women’s representation in cinema. Participants will be encouraged to engage critically with the historical and social contexts in which women filmmakers have worked, exploring how their perspectives have been shaped, and often constrained, by broader industry structures. The lab will therefore not only focus on strengthening writing skills, but also on developing a more nuanced and historically informed critical approach. By analysing films through a feminist lens, participants will reflect on issues of visibility, authorship and narrative power, contributing to a broader rethinking of film criticism and its role in shaping cultural discourse. The lab will be structured around a balance of theory and practice.

A half-day introductory session will focus on the fundamentals of film journalism, including how to structure an article, identify and use sources, define tone, and adapt writing to different types of media. Particular attention will be given to crafting effective headlines and leads, understanding what works online and in search engines, and calibrating the appropriate length depending on the platform. The practical component will then invite participants to write at least three articles during the festival, which will be discussed both in one-on-one mentoring sessions and in group feedback meetings, fostering a collaborative and hands-on learning environment. 

The workshop will be led by Carmen Gray, an internationally recognised film critic, journalist and programmer based in Berlin.

How to apply
Participation is by application only. To apply, please complete the application form and submit:

• a short motivation statement
• one writing sample in English

Apply via the form here: LINK