Discovery Young Programmers 2026
Age 15–19 and interested in film? Apply to join our exciting summer programme!
Interested in films and how films get selected for film festivals? Thinking about a career in cinema, arts or culture? Join our Discovery Young Programmers and learn about film programming, marketing, distribution and how to put on a film event for a festival.
At a two-week summer programme, the DYPs are welcomed behind the scenes at DCA to learn about film programming, with the chance to talk to visiting guest experts, watch films and choose their favourite as a group to present on the big screen at a special event during Discovery Film Festival 2026 (Sat 31 October – Sun 1 November and Sat 7 – Sun 8 November).
Published
DYP programme details
Programme dates: Mon 3 – Fri 14 August
Discovery Film Festival dates: Sat 31 October – Sun 1 November and Sat 7 – Sun 8 November
Programme cost: Free
Location: Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), 152 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4DY
Number of places: 5
Applications open: Tue 5 May
Applications close: Fri 19 June
Applicants notified: Fri 3 July
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 (Mon 3 August 2026)
- Be available in person on the following dates: Mon 3 – Fri 14 August (weekdays only) / Sat 31 October / Sun 1 November / Sat 7 November / Sun 8 November
- Be be 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 available for those who need them to access the programme)
- Have a passion for film!
How to apply
To apply, fill out the application form below by midday Fri 19 June 2026. Please note that there are only 5 places available, but all applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 3 July 2026.
Click here to fill in the Discovery Young Programmers application form online
or
Click here to download the application form as a Microsoft Word document
If you require this information or application form in an alternative format please email olivia.knight@dca.org.uk or call 01382 213757.
What our 2025 DYPs say…
I think what I have learned in Discovery will help me in university and work because it has helped me group my knowledge of how much effort is put into film festivals and it has given me a feel for what it is like to work on a film festival. It also helped me grow my communication skills and grow in confidence while talking to new people. As well as that it has haven me experience with applying for things and getting the confidence to just go for it and not worry if it doesn’t work out.
I liked seeing the different roles/jobs that are involved to keep a festival running. It gave me an insight into how everyone/their job mixes and works together to create a successful festival.
The highlights for me were seeing films I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, seeing the projection booth (and the behind the scenes) and hearing from people in the industry.
It was a good balance of hands-on learning and getting knowledge from other people who have experience in the industry. It was also good meeting new people.