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RESIDENCY PROGRAMME
The Residency Programme at The NGO International Film and Knowledge Forum (THENGOIFKF) is a transformative opportunity for emerging filmmakers, students, and creatives to immerse themselves in the intersection of cinema and social good. This unique initiative combines hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world impact, empowering participants to hone their craft while contributing to our mission.
Residents engage in a structured journey: crafting films tied to our thematic pillars, collaborating with industry mentors, and participating in our acclaimed Student Review Programme. Within this, students watch curated films and work with three expert writers who guide them in critically analyzing content and producing reviews for publication on our website. Beyond the review component, residents gain vocational skills— from production to advocacy—through workshops, networking, and project development, all tailored to their career goals.
Open to applicants worldwide, the programme runs annually, culminating in a showcase at our forum. Whether you’re a student seeking purpose-driven experience or a young professional ready to make your mark, the Residency Programme is your launchpad to a career that matters. Apply today and become part of a global creative community.
Week 1: Foundations & Critical Perspectives
- Welcome & residency objectives
- Understanding film reviews as tools for social change
- Ethical considerations in critiquing films about sensitive issues
- The balance between critique and advocacy
- Reviewing reviews: Analyzing published critiques of social impact films
- Writing exercise: Reviewing a short impact-driven film collectively
- Analyzing cinematography, narrative, and symbolism in social issue films
- Screening & discussion: How films shape public discourse
- Writing exercise: Breaking down visual storytelling in a powerful scene
- Understanding cultural sensitivity & representation in film
- Finding your voice: Writing objectively vs. emotionally driven critique
- Guest session: “The Role of Critics in Social Movements”
- How structure influences messaging in different film formats
- Comparative exercise: Reviewing a documentary vs. a narrative film
- Screening session: Analyzing advocacy-driven storytelling techniques
- Workshop: How tone shapes the reader's perception
- Group debate: Constructive criticism vs. harsh critique in advocacy journalism
- Writing session: Crafting a review with impact-driven framing
- Students write a full film review
- Peer feedback exchange & critique session
- Individual meetings with mentors for personalized guidance
Week 2: Refinement & Professional Development
- Adapting film reviews for different audiences (journalism, activism, policy discussions)
- Guest expert session: “Pitching Reviews for Advocacy Platforms”
- Writing exercise: Structuring a piece for policy or media engagement
- Advanced frameworks for dissecting themes, impact, and filmmaker intent
- Writing session: Developing a second review draft with deeper thematic exploration
- Mentor-guided discussions on refining argumentative clarity
- Exploring multimedia critiques (video essays, podcasts, Instagram reels)
- Workshop: Writing for digital & short-form platforms
- Screening session: Examining successful social impact film critiques across media
- Strengthening clarity, argumentation, and voice
- Peer editing workshop: Refining reviews with constructive critique
- Mentor-led guidance: Techniques for refining persuasive writing
- Revising top pieces for submission/publication
- Strategy session: Identifying platforms to pitch reviews
- Individual mentoring sessions for last-round edits
- Students present their final reviews through writing or multimedia formats
- Expert panel feedback & discussion on social responsibility in criticism
- Networking session: Building long-term connections in impact-driven film critique
- Reflection on key learnings & career pathways in film criticism
- Certificate ceremony & closing discussions
- Group strategy session: Maintaining dialogue beyond the residency
APPLICATION FORM
(Non students)