Six emerging film critics from Central and Eastern Europe have gathered at the 42nd Warsaw International Film Festival for the 21st edition of the FIPRESCI Warsaw Critics Project, continuing a longstanding collaboration dedicated to nurturing new voices in international film criticism.
Taking place during the Warsaw International Film Festival, 9–18 October 2026, the FIPRESCI Warsaw Critics Project brings together young critics and film journalists for an intensive programme of screenings, writing, professional exchange and encounters with filmmakers. Organised by the Warsaw Film Foundation in collaboration with FIPRESCI, the initiative offers participants an opportunity to develop their critical perspectives while experiencing the demands and opportunities of working at an international film festival.
This year’s participants represent a diverse range of backgrounds, interests and approaches to cinema. Elizabete Didža from Latvia, Carla Pantilie and Boldizsár Forró, both representing Romania, Lehel Fazakas from Hungary, and Karolina Zdunek and Łukasz Al-Darawsheh from Poland bring experience spanning film journalism, programming, filmmaking, visual arts and academic film studies. Their interests range from experimental cinema and archival practices to contemporary Eastern European filmmaking, documentary, queer cinema and new forms of critical expression.
The workshop is guided by two experienced international film journalists: Amber Wilkinson, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Eye For Film, and Tommaso Tocci, an independent critic whose writing has appeared in numerous international film publications and who has been leading the FIPRESCI Critics Project since 2018. Together, they mentor participants through the practical process of festival reporting, from developing an argument and refining a critical voice to writing and editing under deadline pressure.
Beyond the workshop, participants will form the Young FIPRESCI Jury, presenting their own award to a film from the festival programme. This combination of critical training, editorial practice and jury responsibilities has made the Warsaw Critics Project an important point of entry into the international film criticism community, with former participants going on to contribute to established publications and festivals around the world.
Follow the FIPRESCI Warsaw Critics Project page throughout the festival to discover the participants’ articles, critical perspectives and reports from Warsaw. You can also meet this year’s six participants and learn more about their backgrounds and interests.
©FIPRESCI 2026