Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) has revealed the participants for its 2025 FLC Artists and Critics Academy programs, taking place during the 63rd New York Film Festival (NYFF63), running from September 26 through October 13. Supported by Rolex, the Academy programs aim to nurture the next generation of filmmakers and critics while fostering a culture of diverse storytelling and inclusive perspectives in the cinematic arts.
The FLC Artists Academy, led by award-winning filmmaker Stacey Marbrey, provides early-career filmmakers with an intensive, immersive experience in New York’s vibrant film community. Over a three-day workshop during NYFF63, participants meet with established filmmakers and industry leaders to discuss their work, refine creative and professional skills, and gain insights into sustaining long-term careers in film. Alumni of the program have premiered at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Sundance, Tribeca, Berlin, Locarno, Rotterdam, DOC NYC, and NYFF, earning accolades including Academy Award recognition, Independent Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, Black Reel Awards, and UNESCO honors. Past mentors and speakers include Steve McQueen, Liz Nord, Matt Wolf, Joanna Arnow, Rebeca Huntt, Rashaad Ernesto Green, Allison Carter, and Jon Read.
The 2025 Artists Academy participants are: Sultan Ali Jr., Leonora Anzaldua, Emma Doxiadi, Daisy Friedman, Justin Knoepfel, Samuel Laine, Alan Williams Mckenzie, Luna Sofia Miranda, Kiandra Parks, Ankit Poudel, Fanny Texier, and Adesola Thomas. These emerging filmmakers represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, reflecting FLC’s mission to champion inclusive storytelling in cinema.
The FLC Critics Academy, led by the editors of Film Comment, supports early-career film writers in developing both the craft and the business of criticism. Over a two-day workshop, participants engage with mentors on topics including pitching, freelancing, editorial processes, genre and critical modes, interviewing, and social media strategies. They also receive full press access to NYFF63, gaining opportunities to write for top publications under expert guidance. Alumni have gone on to contribute to outlets such as The Atlantic, Brooklyn Magazine, The Guardian, Huffington Post, L.A. Weekly, Los Angeles Times, National Review, New Republic, New York Review of Books, Paper, The Paris Review, Remezcla, Reverse Shot, Vice, The Village Voice, and Vulture.
The 2025 Critics Academy participants are: Fatoumata Bah, Chris Cassingham, Koel Chu, Abirami Logendran, AJ Morris, Jadie Stillwell, Juan Camilo Velásquez, and Daniel Zheng.
Through these programs, Film at Lincoln Center continues to cultivate new voices in filmmaking and criticism, supporting a dynamic and inclusive future for cinema.