What makes a film review engaging, insightful and your own? PÖFF invites film enthusiasts, aspiring critics and film professionals to explore this question at a free one-day workshop led by Victor Fraga on 8 November 2026 in Tallinn.
Returning for its third edition, the workshop combines an introduction to film criticism with practical writing exercises and individual feedback. Participants will learn the fundamentals of film criticism and concise writing.
The workshop welcomes people of all ages and nationalities, from curious cinema lovers and emerging journalists to filmmakers, producers, screenwriters, programmers, communications professionals and festival organisers. No previous experience in film criticism is required, but participants should have an intermediate level of English and an interest in cinema.
Led by Victor Fraga, founder and editor of the UK-based independent film publication DMovies, the workshop explores film criticism as a creative practice. Fraga brings experience as a critic, filmmaker, producer and exhibitor, offering perspectives from both sides of the screen. DMovies has been PÖFF’s trusted media partner for nine years.
“It is both an honour and a delight to run this Workshop for the third consecutive year, as part of PÖFF. I look forward to meeting aspiring writers and other professionals from the film industry and beyond. Much like cinema itself, film criticism is a creative trade. We work independently from filmmakers, however we seek to complement, inspire and indeed provoke creators.”
He goes further: “Film reviews should be fun and engaging, and not merely functional and descriptive. Readers should feel compelled to watch the film, and to share their opinion. You will acquire concise writing skills transferable to other areas of the industry. Non-native English speakers will find out that their mother tongue is an asset, and that their life experience makes their writing singular”.
Through discussion and practical exercises, participants will explore how to:
Each participant will review a short film from the PÖFF Shorts International Competition and receive individual feedback. The reviews will be edited and published by PÖFF and DMovies giving participants an opportunity to share their work with a wider
audience while bringing attention to new short films.
8 November 2026, 11:00–18:00
Nordic Hotel Forum, Tallinn, Estonia
Applications are welcome from all nationalities, particularly participants from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Apply for the workshop here
Application deadline: 1 November 2026
Places are limited, and applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
The workshop is free of charge. Participation does not include a PÖFF accreditation, accommodation or other festival benefits. For access to additional screenings and events, please explore PÖFF’s festival passes and accreditation options.