Are you aged 18-23, based in the UK, and have a passion for documentary and the media industry? This programme is for you! We are excited to announce that applications are open for our 2027 Youth Jury programme.

This free programme offers exciting opportunities for young people interested in pursuing a career in the film industry in fields varying from production to distribution, curation, film marketing and criticism. It is a tremendous chance to get hands on experience as part of an international film festival and jury.

You'll have your say on the best documentary films being made today by selecting the winner of our prestigious Youth Jury Award. Previous Youth Jury Award Winners have included Crocodile (2026), Runa Simi (2025), HAIYU - Rebel Singer Mariem Hassan and the Struggle for a Free Western Sahara (2024), Anhell69 (2023), Alis (2022), If god were a woman / Si dios fuera mujer (2021) and Baracoa (2019).

Past youth jurors have gone on to work with broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4 and ITN; made shorts and feature length documentaries for commissioners including BBC Three; programmed films, produced panels for festivals and gone on to write for Sight & Sound magazine.

This programme is open to anyone aged 18-23 and based in the UK, with a passion for documentary and the media industry.

We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds, with no special qualifications or experience needed.

Jurors need to be available for the following activity:

Interviews (online): 2-4 December 2026
London Workshop: 11 and 12 February 2027
Sheffield Workshop: April 2027 (exact date TBC)
Festival: 9-14 June 2027