What we're looking for

• Young people aged 16–29
• Open-minded, enthusiastic, and passionate about public programming, film and/or other creative disciplines.
• Open to trying something new and challenging yourself.
• Enjoy and thrive working as part of a collaborative team. Able to advocate for your ideas whilst making space for others too.
• Confident you’ve time to fully commit to the programme, all session dates, and work in between sessions. Ability to meet various deadlines.
• No prior qualifications needed.

The selection process

• Fill in this online application form by Sunday 31 August, 11:59pm
• Filmed/audio recorded answers to questions 6-9 in Section 3 of the form are welcome. For all other questions please write in the box provided.
• If you do not include answers in sections 1-2 it will affect the outcome of your application as this is essential info.
• Once applications are reviewed, shortlisted applicants are required to attend an in-person recruitment workshop which serves as a chance for our team to get to know you within the context of the group setting as well as for you to get a taste of the programme itself and if it’s right for you. If you are unable to attend the in-person workshop, an online meet up can be arranged during the w/c Monday 22 September.
• After the recruitment workshop, a panel made up of Isra Al Kassi, Lauren Brown (Young Creatives Producer) and Rikky Onefeli (Assistant Young Creative Producer) will decide the final cohort, based on the written application and recruitment workshop.
• If you have any questions or have access requirements relating to the application process or programme, please get in touch! Email [email protected] with ‘Barbican Young Film Programmers’ in the subject line.

Schedule

• Barbican Young Film Programmers sessions will run at the Barbican Centre every Wednesday evening 6pm – 9pm from October 2025 until April 2026
• The Chronic Youth Film Festival will take place in April 2026.
• An evaluation session will take place after the festival.
• The full timeline can be found here: Barbican Young Film Programmers Timeline

General information

• Young Film Programmers is an in-person programme but can be attended in a hybrid format if required.
• We encourage and will support you to attend in-person if able to, but participation via Microsoft Teams is there when you need e.g., for mental and/or physical health conditions, disabilities, or if feeling unwell/testing positive for Covid.
• Your ability to participate in the programme in-person versus online, does not affect your application.
• The programme takes place in step-free spaces with accessible toilets on the same floor.
• We do not have fragrance-free areas, though do encourage people to be mindful of how strong fragrances may adversely affect others.
• The programme is generally relaxed in nature, meaning stimming and tics are welcome, and people can leave the space if they need to. There are opportunities for regular breaks during sessions and we aim to ensure quieter spaces are available nearby.
• This programme is not currently BSL interpreted.

Bursaries

A bursary fund is available to those who are invited onto the full programme, to assist in covering the cost of travel, childcare, Wi-Fi, or other costs that would prevent your application or participation.

• Bursary Information

COVID-19 impact

• We strongly encourage you to stay home if you feel unwell or test positive for Covid, and to always be mindful before encroaching on other’s personal space.
• We’re aware there may be members of the group with Covid-related health vulnerabilities/anxieties. As such, we encourage mask-wearing when participating in-person and will check-in on a regular basis to ascertain the ongoing needs of both individuals and the group.
• The programme will take place wholly online if there is a lockdown or be adapted if increased social distancing measures are required.