About the NCFCA
The North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) was formed by Kenneth R. Morefield in 2012 to promote film journalism in North Carolina. Membership consists of film critics/journalists established in North Carolina or those serving North Carolina-based outlets.
NCFCA members actively engage in cinematic evaluation and critical analysis. Some members also offer journalistic and explorative thoughts on episodic television, streaming series, music, and varied forms of arts and entertainment.
Our mission
Members of the North Carolina Film Critics Association seek to:
- explore the art and science of cinema through critical thought, evaluation and journalistic integrity;
- provide diverse reflection on the cultural, historical, educational and the societal impact of cinema;
- understand that film leads to questions that serve as inspirational change agents through personal and collective introspection;
- engage in the evolving world of cinema in its various forms, formats and genres;
- appreciate cinema where it lives (theatres, digital, streaming, festivals, etc.);
- encourage dialogue on the purpose and meaning of cinema;
- recognize outstanding achievement in film through the annual Best in Cinema awards presentation.
Join the NCFCA
The NCFCA votes on applications for/admits new members in March of each calendar year. Applications should be submitted between Feb. 1st and March 1st.
If you’re a film critic in North Carolina or working with/contributing to a North Carolina based outlet, it’s possible you may receive an invitation from a member of the Governing Committee to join the NCFCA. However, you may apply to membership even if you don’t receive an invitation. Here’s what to know if you’re interested in joining the NCFCA.
To be considered for membership, you must contribute film reviews on a regular basis to a recognized outlet. New content should be produced and disseminated at least once a month, although exceptions may be made with the permission of the Governing Committee.
We have members who also serve as entertainment journalists, interviewing cast and crew of films and visual mediums. Some report on arts and entertainment or produce film-related features, but the primary purpose and focus for membership in the NCFCA is film review and criticism.
Members must be located in North Carolina or contribute work to an outlet that primarily reaches audiences in North Carolina.
Members are critics serving print, broadcast, cable and online audiences. Mediums may include newspapers, magazines, blogs, websites, TV, radio, podcasts and other forms of emerging media. If you contribute to any of these, you are welcome to apply. Prior to submitting a formal application, feel free to email ncfilmcritics@gmail.com to see if your outlet qualifies for membership.
Accepted members must vote in the annual film awards honors. Exceptions must be approved by the Governing Committee in advance of final voting.
Please email the following materials and information to ncfilmcritics@gmail.com:
- Name, name and type of outlet or outlets (print, online, broadcast, podcast, etc.):
- City in which you currently reside (if not in North Carolina, note your outlet coverage):
- A brief summary of your qualifications (no more than 500 words):
- A minimum of 5 samples of your film reviews/criticism (we accept URLs, links or clips in .DOC or .PDF format):
- A letter of recommendation or introduction from a current NCFCA Member, industry colleague, or professional sponsor. *NCFCA members are limited to one new member sponsorship per year.
- Are you accredited with Allied Global Marketing or other film publicists? If so, note those:
- Have you been accredited to attend any film festivals in the last three years? If so, please note those:
Consideration for membership will be evaluated after the March 1st application deadline. It may take a few weeks for all the members of the Selection Committee to evaluate your application.
New applications will be voted upon by the Governing Committee or their appointees. If a vote by the appointed committee is not unanimous, it may be appealed to the Governing Committee (either by the applicant or another member of the appointed committee). The vote of the Governing Committee must be unanimous in order to uphold an appeal.
Membership will be automatically renewed annually unless a member voluntarily rescinds his or her membership, fails in meeting membership qualifications, or fails to participate in a mandatory vote. The Governing Committee may also require a member in good standing to reapply. The Governing Committee may immediately revoke membership for actions deemed unprofessional or detrimental to the NCFCA. Such a finding must be a unanimous vote from the Governing Committee.
Members in good standing are responsible for ensuring that the Governing Committee has current contact information, including e-mail, phone, and a shipping address. This information will not be published without permission, but film publicists require this information when distributing review screeners to NCFCA members.
Historically, the NCFCA has not collected dues. The Governing Committee will vote annually on any dues-related requirements for membership. New members shall be exempt from paying dues, if any, for one year from admission date.
There are certain annual maintenance fees that are required to facilitate the website. The Governing Committee will accept voluntary contributions from members to offset those costs on an annual basis.
Updated: June 2021