AWFJ/UNCSA Mentorship Program for Emerging Film Critics – Julia Swift reports

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) and the Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) have partnered to launch the AWFJ/UNCSA Critic Mentorship Program, a new initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic study and the professional world of film criticism.

This proactive program creates a vital pathway for the next generation of cultural commentators to transition into the industry. Its mission is to support aspiring film, television, and streaming reviewers by providing them with a professional platform and direct mentorship from established film critics. By connecting UNCSA’s rigorous arts conservatory training with the AWFJ’s extensive journalistic experience and media exposure, the program seeks to cultivate critics who are not only knowledgeable about cinema but also skilled in the craft of engaging, analytical writing for a broad audience.

For this inaugural year, two exceptional UNCSA students have been selected as AWFJ Mentorship Fellows. Walker Conger and Abby Perkins have been chosen for their strong writing abilities and potential to contribute meaningfully to film journalism, these mentees will have the opportunity to publish reviews and features, gaining real-world experience in editorial processes and public discourse. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to the future of film criticism, ensuring that emerging talent is nurtured, equipped with practical skills, and given the opportunity to build a professional portfolio before graduation.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The AWFJ/UNCSA Critic Mentorship Program is AWFJ’s second Critic Mentorship Program. In 2025, we partnered with Woodson High School in Northern Virginia to mentor seven students under the guidance of AWFJ meember Cortland Jaccoby. Details of the Woodson High School program and the mentee reviews can be found on AWFJ.org