MEMBER ROLES

Pittsburgh Film Critics Association operates with an executive committee of four directors who share the tasks listed below:

• Day-to-day operations of the group, including leading key initiatives, goals, and finances.

• Outreach efforts of the group including our social accounts.

• Manage the technical needs of the group.

• Review applications, notify potential new critics, and manage the overall process of applying to join the association.

Roles will be voted on every four years. If a position is vacated before the election, an emergency vote will be held for an interim position holder to finish the rest of the four-year term. Critics who wish to run for a position will submit their name to the current committee no less than one month prior to the date of the election. Each role will require a majority vote from the other critics in the association. In the case of a tie, a second vote will be held with the tied nominees.

ACTIVE CRITICS

In order to remain in good standing with the Pittsburgh Film Critics Association, a critic needs to produce 25 reviews and news pieces per year in the format of their choosing (written/podcast/YouTube/etc.) Critics are also expected to participate in year-end voting awards. Failure to produce 25 reviews/news pieces and/or participate in the year-end vote will cause an evaluation of membership status.

EMERITUS CRITICS

This is a special class of critic within the association who is in good standing, but can no longer meet the minimum requirements of the organization. They will no longer be considered active, but will be eligible to vote for the year-end awards.

HERITAGE CRITICS

This denotation is reserved for critics who were part of our organization, but are no longer living. Their participation will be presented on our site as a previous member.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Those interested in applying to join the Pittsburgh Film Critics Association must meet the minimum requirements in order to be considered. Applications must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Must have been writing about film and news for at least 3 years

• Permanent residence in Western Pennsylvania

• Must be respectful of diversity and inclusion practices in their writing

Submissions for 2025 members will be open from April 1 through April 30. Application must consist of:

• A 300-word letter of introduction explaining why they want to be considered for membership and what they would bring to the membership.

• Links to 10 of the writer’s reviews that best showcase their work.

• A link or links to the writer’s review no less than 3 years old. Podcasts and video reviews are admissible forms of reviews. The media submitted must offer thoughtful criticism on film and not simply cover pop culture or news.

• Once an applicant has submitted their application and it has been reviewed, they must receive a unanimous decision of the committee. All voting is done by a secret ballot.

Applicants will be informed by June 15 if they have been chosen for membership. All submissions will be through Google Form.

Members may be removed from PFCA for reasons such as, but not limited to:

• Plagiarism

• Hate speech

• Criminal/Illegal Activity

• Breaking Embargos

• Misconduct

• Inactivity

• Disrespect of diversity, equity, and inclusion in writing or to fellow members

If a standing member no longer makes their permanent residence in Pittsburgh, and their primary outlets are not locally based, they may be asked to leave the association.

Join us as we continue to shape cultural dialogue and celebrate the magic of movies.