Queer East’s Up Next: Future Film Curators Lab is a unique opportunity for passionate individuals to delve into the art and craft of programming LGBTQ+ cinema from, and about, East and Southeast Asia.

The programme features talks, workshops and mentorship sessions, conducted both online and in-person from November 2024 to March 2025. Sessions are designed to offer a well-rounded understanding of film curation and Queer East’s programming process, incorporating discussions of film aesthetics, research, curation, and East & Southeast Asian cinema. You will also gain practical knowledge of marketing, planning, film licensing, and essential skills such as copywriting and event management. As part of the programme, you will also have a chance to hear from industry guest speakers from across the cinema exhibition sector, and receive mentorship to support your curatorial programmes from the festival team.

Participants will collaborate as a team on curating a series of short film programmes, to be presented as part of Queer East Festival 2025 in London, and its On the Road nationwide tour.

This programme is delivered in collaboration with Curate-It. Participants will gain free access to the Curate-It website and mobile application, to access learning and supporting materials.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The project aims to offer industry opportunities to emerging talent nationwide. As such, it is specifically designed for individuals who are based outside of the Greater London area, who live in any other UK region. We unfortunately cannot accept applications from people based in the Greater London area.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share a genuine interest in queer cinema and East & Southeast Asian cinema. No prior qualifications are needed. We envision ideal candidates as those who are creative-minded and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team.

You should have time to fully commit to the programme, which includes participating in all sessions, viewing films, joining discussions, attending events, and meeting deadlines.

To be eligible, applicants should have no more than 12 months of professional experience in film curation and programming, for established venues/festivals.

Please note that we are not able to accept applicants who are currently enrolled as full-time students in taught education.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Curation Fee: £350 + Travel and Accommodation Bursaries.

Taking part in the programme is free, and selected participants will receive a £350 curation fee for their involvement in the scheme, as well as travel bursaries for attending project-related events.

The majority of sessions will run online every Monday or Tuesday evening from 18:30 – 21:00 and on occasional weekends, from November 2024 to March 2025.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please complete the application here by 27 October 2024.

We aim to inform you of the outcome by 6 November 2024, and the first introductory session will be hosted online on 16 November 2024.

ABOUT QUEER EAST

Queer East is a cross-disciplinary festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities. The festival was established in response to the systemic lack of Asian representation in the creative sector, and aims to enable an open space exploring what it means to be queer and Asian today.

The festival takes place in over 10 venues across London, including Barbican Centre, BFI Southbank, Genesis Cinema, ICA, Museum of the Home, and Rio Cinema, to name just a few. Its 2025 edition is currently planned for 23 April to 31 May.

ABOUT CURATE-IT

Curate-It is a platform that provides you with all you need to know to implement your own screening event, film series or film festival. It aims to make knowledge about film curation easily accessible within a digital space, and have created an eight-step programme to teach you about film theory, film curation and the practical and logistical elements needed to create film events.

Curate-It consists of eight steps – Watch-it, Analyse-it, Curate-it, Finance-it, Market-it, Execute-it, Evaluate-it and Screen-it. Each consists of written information, activities, tailored reading lists and videos featuring film experts sharing their knowledge.

Film Still © Let Me Hear It Barefoot (dir. Riho Kudo, Japan, 2021)