Go Critic!
What is GoCritic!?
GoCritic! is a training program organized in partnership with Cineuropa, targeting film journalists and critics, aiming to develop writing skills, expand industry knowledge, and enhance visibility for professionals covering animation.
Over the years, the program has built a strong reputation, with workshops held at prestigious festivals such as Karlovy Vary IFF or Trieste FF (2018-2022).
From 2022 to 2024, GoCritic! partnered with the Animation Festival Network (AFN), organizing 2 workshops in each member festival. Guided by Head of studies Vladan Petković and acclaimed tutors like Jessica Kiang or Neil Young, the program trained 33 participants from 22 countries on 3 continents. These journalists produced over 100 articles published on Cineuropa and Zippy Frames, providing unparalleled press coverage for animation — a field often underrepresented in media.
What’s New in 2025 & 2026?
Starting 2025, GoCritic! adopts a new format focused on capacity building for 10 participants annually. This model targets experienced journalists looking to refine their skills and deepen their knowledge of animation and the film industry. Each participant attends at least two workshops per year, immersing themselves in multiple festivals, gaining practical experience, and learning from a diverse team of tutors such as Vladan Petković or Neil Young, among others.
Moreover, GoCritic! expands its scope by incorporating video journalism, a dynamic medium well-suited to animation. Under the guidance of Ana Stanić from Cineuropa, participants learn to create professional video content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
How to apply?
For each year, there is only one call for applications through which 10 participants are selected. All selected participants will benefit from free of charge tutoring, festival accreditations, accommodation and a lump sum of €150 for travel expenses.
There are no geographical restrictions for the applicants (they can be nationals of any country in the world), however they must meet the following criteria:
- to have previous experience in film journalism or criticism
- to commit to attending at least two workshops during the year (there is a possibility to choose)
- to obtain visas (if case) and to cover their travel costs if the provided €150/festival won’t be enough
The 2025 program takes place at the AFN member festivals:
Animateka 2024 (SI, December), Anifilm (CZ, May), Animafest Zagreb (HR, June), Fest Anca (SK, June), Animest (RO, October).
Applications for 2026 will open in the summer of 2025.
GoCritic! 2025 participants
This year’s group includes 10 journalists from 9 countries, reflecting the cultural diversity and global reach of GoCritic!:
Alen Golež, SI
Andy Stoeva, BG
Blake Simons, UK
Sergiu Inizian, RO
Will Rowan, UK
Berenika Balcer, PL
Botagoz Koilybayeva, Kazakhstan
Emel-Elizabeth, EE
Arsene Rosenmann, FR
Nini Shvelidze, GE
Arsalan Awais, Pakistan
Ramona Boban Vlahovic, HR
Their articles are published on Cineuropa and Zippy Frames:
https://cineuropa.org/en/gocritic/
https://www.zippyframes.com/tags/gocritic
