As part of its 130th anniversary celebrations, the University of Westminster’s Regent Street Cinema hosted a special screening of Wuthering Heights. It was followed by a panel discussion where established critics and Westminster students taking part in the cinema’s Emerging Young Film Critics Programme explored the future of film criticism and the ever-changing film landscape.
On 20 February three Westminster students currently participating in the new mentorship scheme joined the panel alongside their mentors Helen O’Hara, Editor-at-Large at Empire; Clarisse Loughrey, Chief Film Critic at The Independent; and freelance journalist Barry Levitt. The discussion was moderated by Jane Crowther, Chair of the London Critics’ Circle Film Section.
Together, they reflected on their experiences on the programme, the changing landscape of film criticism, the importance of supporting new and diverse voices in contemporary cinema culture and what opportunities exist for the next generation of critics.
Rooted in Regent Street Cinema’s unique place in film history, where the Lumière brothers first presented moving pictures to a paying UK audience in 1896, the evening celebrated not only 130 years of cinema, but the ongoing dialogue, discovery and critical thinking that continue to define it.
The Emerging Young Film Critics Programme is funded as part of the University’s Access and Participation Plan and reflects Westminster’s commitment to widening participation and supporting students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who often face significant barriers when entering the film and media industries.
The programme offers one-to-one mentoring from experienced film journalists, editorial guidance and professional development, access to press and preview screenings, three specialist workshops led by industry critics, support to produce written reviews and multimedia content, and a 12-month unlimited film pass for the Regent Street Cinema.
It is one of many programmes in Westminster’s Zone29, which is the University’s new home of careers and enterprise. Zone29 will play a key role by supporting students in paid work experience, offering access to specialist media spaces, equipment and guidance as they develop their written and multimedia pieces.
Billy Watson, Managing Director of the Regent Street Cinema, said: “Being able to create opportunities for the students by exposing them to respected practitioners not only enhances their employability but sheds light on real-world career pathways.”
The programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Film and Television courses at the University of Westminster.
To find out how you or your organisation can support the University, contact the Development Team.
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