Interested in films and how films get selected for film festivals? Thinking about a career in cinema, arts or culture? our Discovery Young Programmers team and learn about film programming, marketing, distribution and how to put on a film event for a festival.

Discovery Young Programmers take part in a two-week programme to learn about film programming and film festivals. 

You will learn from a range of film professionals and work with a cohort of young people, culminating in a public Discovery Young Programmer's screening event that you will develop and lead together, taking place during Discovery Film Festival 2025.

DYP programme details

Programme dates: Monday 4 – Friday 15 August (weekdays only)
Programme cost: Free
Location: Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), 152 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4DY
Number of places: 5
Applications open: Wednesday 30 April 
Applications close: Friday 13 June
Applicants notified: Friday 27 June

What you'll learn

- How a film festival works behind the scenes
- How different teams (programming, marketing, front-of-house) work together to bring events to audiences
- How to design and deliver a film event as part of Discovery Film Festival
- How to think about audiences, objectives and risks when planning an event
 

To take part, you need to:

- Be 15 – 19 years old on the first day of the course (4 August 2025)
- Available in person on these dates: Monday 4 – Friday 15 August (weekdays only, for our learning programme), 25 & 26 October and 1 & 2 November (to take part in Discovery Film Festival)
- Able to travel to DCA (In line with our environmental policy, we encourage participants to use public transport when possible. We have some travel bursaries for participants who need them to access the programme)
- Not at university/college or enrolled in university/college when the programme starts
- Have a ion for film!

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website and fill out the application form there before midday Fri 13 June 2025.