Apply Now for Our Film Journalism Mentorship Programme

Film Ireland, in partnership with Cork International Film Festival and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, and sponsored by Coimisiún na Meán, is delighted to announce the second edition of our Journalism Mentorship Programme. This is designed to empower writers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Over the course of this training, participants will refine their film writing analysis skills, enhance their industry knowledge, and build a professional network. Led by the core Film Ireland team and featuring industry experts, this scheme offers a blend of practical training, personalised mentorship, and real-world publishing opportunities.

Duration: 2nd September - 9th December 2025
Format: Tuesday evenings on Zoom, 2 hours per session, with up to 4 additional hours of weekly work, which will be presented at the following session.
Application Deadline: 1pm, 5th August 2025

Interviews will take place Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th of August on Zoom.

This programme is seeking applicants specifically based in the Cork region with access to Cork City centre, whose final project will be developed in partnership with the Cork Film Festival. Successful mentees from the area will gain access to the festival’s Industry Day talks, as well as screenings, talks and events. We are particularly looking for writers from the region with a strong, distinctive writing voice who come from underrepresented backgrounds.

Note: The majority of this course will be taught online, however you must be able to attend two key dates in person. Exact dates will be provided upon acceptance into the programme.

If you are based outside Dublin, Film Ireland will reimburse the cost of your bus/train tickets.

This Course Includes:

Tailored Mentorship: Each participant will receive personalised mentorship sessions and feedback on their writing.
Published Portfolio: Participants will produce two film reviews and either a podcast interview or feature article. These will all be published on our platform and you will receive €50/€100 payment for your work.
Comprehensive Training: Covering topics such as film analysis, technical editing, podcasting, organisational dynamics, and industry structure delivered by industry professionals.
Throughout the programme, we will support your attendance at industry talks, events, press screenings, and previews, providing invaluable insights into the film industry.
Emphasis on wellness, resilience, and confidence-building to equip participants for success in the industry.

Apply Now

This is open to writers from any educational backgrounds, including colleges, PLCs, or the wider film community. In fact, we encourage members who belong to any group which may be underrepresented within society (for example, on the grounds of ethnicity, disability, religion, socioeconomic or any other factors), to apply.

If you have any questions, email info@filmireland.ie.

Upon completion, participants will have a published portfolio, enhanced industry knowledge, and a supportive network, paving the way for future opportunities in the film industry.

Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your career in film writing. Apply now to secure your spot — but please note places are extremely limited. Last year we had over 10 x applications as places.

Deadline to apply: 1pm, 5th August 2025

To apply for the Film Ireland Mentorship Programme, please email the following to info@filmireland.ie with "Mentorship Programme" in the Subject bar:

1. Written Statement (300 - 500 words) explaining why this programme is right for you. Include your passion for film, your career aspirations, and how you believe this mentorship will benefit you. If you're from a background that means your voice is currently underrepresented in journalism, we want to hear about it. TLDR: Why do you want to do this course and what makes your perspective different?
2. Writing Sample (aprx. 1000 words) showcasing your writing skills; this could include a feature article, blog, an analysis essay, or film reviews.

Last Year

Our pilot programme saw eight writers from a variety of backgrounds develop their projects over the programme. Check out some of their wonderful work here for inspiration: