Join the People's Jury for the 20th Five Flavours Film Festival – Applications Now Open!

People's Jury is a unique initiative in which the Grand Prix of the New Asian Cinema competition is decided not by industry professionals, but by people brought together by their passion for cinema. The New Asian Cinema competition showcases outstanding works by emerging filmmakers at the beginning of their careers, whose films already demonstrate remarkable talent. In previous editions, the section introduced Polish audiences to the work of directors such as Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, Wei Shujun, Bùi Thạc Chuyên, Riar Rizaldi, Sorayos Prapapan, Kamila Andini, and Mouly Surya.

We are looking for nine cinephiles from Poland and across Europe to meet in Warsaw, where they will watch, discuss, and evaluate the competition films before selecting the Grand Prix winner. The Grand Prix, worth PLN 25,000, will be funded by the Polish Film Institute.

In addition to screening the competition films, members of the People's Jury will take part in a series of professional workshops focused on film festival programming.

Applications for the 20th Five Flavours People's Jury are open until 31 August 2026.

What to expect

Over the course of eight intensive days, you'll become part of the festival community. You'll watch every film in the New Asian Cinema Competition, participate in jury deliberations, attend workshops, and gain first-hand insight into the work of festival programmers and film curators.

The People's Jury programme includes workshops on:

• film curation and festival programming;

• film festival production and organisation;

• contemporary film criticism, both written and audiovisual.

It's an opportunity to broaden your cinematic horizons, develop your critical thinking and writing, connect with fellow film enthusiasts from across Europe, and meet filmmakers and festival guests from Asia.

Many former People's Jury members have gone on to collaborate with the Five Flavours Asian Film Festival, making the project a valuable first step for anyone interested in working in the festival and film sector.

All screenings, workshops, meetings and discussions are conducted in English.

How to apply

To join the People's Jury, complete the application form by 31 August 2026.

As part of your application, you'll be asked to respond in English to the following question:

What trend or phenomenon have you observed in Asian cinema in recent years that has sparked your interest?

You may choose one of the following formats:

• written essay (1,500–2,000 characters, including spaces);

• video essay (up to 5 minutes);

• podcast (up to 7 minutes).

Your application should also include a short motivation letter.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from people who:

• are at least 18 years old (there is no upper age limit);

• are fluent in English;

• are residents of a European country.

Previous experience in film criticism, festival programming or curatorial work is not required. What matters most is curiosity, openness to discussion, and a genuine passion for cinema.

We particularly encourage applications from members of Asian diasporic communities living in Europe.

What we provide

During the programme (10–17 November 2026), the Five Flavours Asian Film Festival provides:

• shared accommodation in a twin room (10–18 November), with another People's Jury participant;

• meals;

• festival accreditation;

• access to the full workshop programme.

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their travel to Warsaw.

Key dates

• Applications open: 9 July – 31 August 2026

• Selected participants announced: 10 September 2026

• People's Jury programme: 10–17 November 2026

Terms and Conditions

To participate in International People's Jury you need to accept Terms and Conditions

People's Jury Terms and Conditions

If you have any questions please contact us at info@piecsmakow.pl

The Grand Prix for Best Film in the New Asian Cinema Competition, worth PLN 25,000, will be funded by the Polish Film Institute.