Budding young film critics may be interested in a competition organised by the education department of the Film Institute of Ireland in conjunction with the magazine Film Ireland. The "Young Critics Competition" is open to second-level students (from Transition Year and above) and winning reviews will be published in Film Ireland next year. There is plenty of time to select a film and get writing as the judging doesn't take place until February 2001.

Competitors should review a film they've seen in a cinema between October of this year and January 2001 and reviews should be between 350 and 400 words long. Typed entries (only) can be submitted between November 10th and January 10th and make sure to include the reviewer's name, age, address and the school details. The judges will look for a succinct plot summary, a critical response to the chosen film, general film awareness and some background knowledge of the film maker or genre. For more information check out www.fii.ie or telephone (01) 679 5744 extension 122/124.