Critikat, a magazine with a twenty-two-year history, is finding a unique balance between being both established and contemporary. While it has been around for over two decades, it continues to evolve by embracing a collective model of writing, which is becoming less common in today’s digital age. In contrast to the rise of formats like microblogging, podcasts, and Substack pages, Critikat brings together a majority of contributors under thirty years old and is committed to constantly renewing the way film criticism is practiced. The magazine sees itself not merely as a collection of individual voices, but as a shared space for thinking about cinema beyond the traditional timeline of theatrical releases. Each article, whether directly or indirectly, contributes to a broader vision of cinema and its discussion.
The magazine’s core values are independence and freedom of expression, and it is using these principles to create a roadmap for the future that it describes as substantial. For the coming year, Critikat plans to launch a third print issue, revive roundtable discussions, and start a series of interviews focusing on film production in France. It will also introduce new chronicles, continuing its existing series such as Parallax, Portraits d'Amérique, and L'Après-coup. Soon, it will welcome a chronicle on feminist horror cinema, another on the relationship between music and cinema, and a section dedicated to reflecting on the media images surrounding the upcoming French election campaign and the broader political climate in the country.
The upcoming election, and the potential rise of the far right in May next year, is expected to significantly influence Critikat’s publications in the coming months. This influence will be felt both in the context of film critiques and in specifically dedicated texts exploring the role of criticism in the current cultural and political landscape. As the far right’s themes increasingly shape the media environment, Critikat emphasizes that criticism cannot be practiced as if these developments are unrelated. It calls for a renewed commitment to critical engagement, suggesting it is time to "roll up our sleeves" and actively participate in the cultural discourse.
The magazine's approach reflects a broader challenge for critics today: how to remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing media environment. By combining its long-standing traditions with a youthful energy and a willingness to adapt, Critikat aims to provide a platform for thoughtful, independent film criticism that resonates with both current and future audiences.
Critikat Magazine Announces New Direction and Expanded Editorial Focus
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Critikat



