Next Step
First step make a movie, next step build your career.
Cannes
May 12-21 .2027
Cannes
May 12-21 .2027
Registrations are open!
NSFF CANNES 2027
The Next Step Film Festival
A Film Festival in Cannes. Where Careers Take the Next Step.
What happens when movie magic meets the pulse of possibility?
The Next Step Film Festival – Cannes is more than a film festival.
It is an experience created to give emerging filmmakers visibility, recognition, professional connections and a real opportunity to take their Next Step in the international film industry.
Each year, six finalists are invited to Cannes for a four-day, all-expenses-paid experience during the same period as the world-renowned Festival de Cannes.
As our guests, finalists don’t simply attend a film festival. They are immersed in a four-day experience designed around cinema, recognition and professional connections.
They discover Cannes from within the international film industry.
SIX FINALISTS
ONE EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE
CANNES 2027
May 12–21, 2027
🏆 Group 1 🏆
May 12–15, 2027
Screening & Awards Ceremony
May 14, 2027 – Canopy by Hilton Cannes
🏆 Group 2 🏆
May 18–21, 2027
Screening & Awards Ceremony
May 20, 2027 – Hotel Martinez Cannes
Two groups. Two prestigious Cannes venues. One unique experience designed to help filmmakers move forward.
MORE THAN A SCREENING - AWARDS & PRIZES
At NSFF, recognition is only the beginning.
As finalists, filmmakers receive:
OFFICIAL SCREENING
Your film presented to a Cannes audience.
AWARDS CEREMONY
An Awards Ceremony in a prestigious Cannes venue.
FOUR-DAY EXPERIENCE
An all-expenses-paid stay in Cannes.
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Connections with filmmakers and industry professionals.
MARCHÉ DU FILM
A special three-day Visitor Pass.
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
An opportunity to experience the professional side of Cannes.
OFFICIAL SCREENING
Your film presented to a Cannes audience.
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AWARDS CEREMONY
An Awards Ceremony in a prestigious Cannes venue.
——————————————————
FOUR-DAY EXPERIENCE
An all-expenses-paid stay in Cannes.
——————————————————
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Connections with filmmakers and industry professionals.
——————————————————
MARCHÉ DU FILM
A special three-day Visitor Pass.
——————————————————
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
An opportunity to experience the professional side of Cannes.
The experience goes beyond the screening room
The experience goes beyond the screening room
Through our special Marché du Film experience, finalists have the opportunity to discover the professional side of the international film industry, explore the marketplace and meet representatives from production, distribution and other areas of the global film business.
These encounters can open the door to new ideas, collaborations and future opportunities.
Because at NSFF, recognition should not end with a laurel or an award. It should help filmmakers take their Next Step.
OUR MISSION
We are looking for the next generation of visionary storytellers. We don’t simply look for technically accomplished films. We look for bold ideas, authentic voices and creative visions that can surprise, move and engage an audience. We believe that talent is not measured by the size of a production budget.
A powerful story can emerge from limited resources when creativity, passion and determination are present. Our mission is to give emerging filmmakers a platform where their work can be seen, their talent can be recognised and their first professional connections can begin.
Whether you are an emerging filmmaker taking your first steps or an established filmmaker looking for new opportunities, the Next Step Film Festival – Cannes offers an unforgettable experience at the heart of the international film world.
Rules & Terms
Eligibility and Submission Rules
We accept films of all genres, divided into three duration categories:
• Short Short: 1–3 minutes
• Middle Short: 3–15 minutes
• Short: 15–30 minutes
Filmmakers must certify that they hold all necessary rights to the music and other materials used in their films.
Selection and Screening
Selected films will be screened during the screenings and awards ceremonies. Priority will be given to films whose director or crew members are present at the screening.
As a special bonus, each selected film whose filmmaker is an NSFF Circle Insider Member is entitled to one complimentary three-day Visitor Pass for the Marché du Film. LINK
This benefit is offered exclusively to NSFF Circle Insider Members, in addition to the official NSFF Awards & Prizes.
YOUR NEXT STEP COULD START IN CANNES
Are you ready to bring your film to Cannes?
SUBMIT YOUR FILM NOW
EXPLORE NEXT STEP FILM FESTIVAL
AWARDS & PRIZES
Discover what our finalists receive.
CANNES 2027
Discover the venues, dates and festival experience.
THE MARCHÉ DU FILM EXPERIENCE
Discover the professional side of Cannes.
CANNES 2026 — SELECTED & FINALISTS
Meet the filmmakers and discover the films of our 2026 edition.
CANNES 2027
Discover the venues, dates and festival experience.
THE MARCHÉ DU FILM EXPERIENCE
Discover the professional side of Cannes.
CANNES 2026 — SELECTED & FINALISTS
Meet the filmmakers and discover the films of our 2026 edition.
RULES & TERMS
Read the eligibility and submission requirements.
NEXT STEP FILM FESTIVAL – CANNES
Your Next Step Starts in Cannes! 🎬
📌 Note: We are independent from the Cannes Film Festival – but we run in the same exciting days to give our filmmakers access to the Marché du Film through a special three-day Visitor Pass, along with countless networking opportunities.
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Last year’s finalists reflect on their experience at the Next Step Film Festival in Cannes.
“Umberto introduced me to a descendant of the original creators of the Venice Film Festival, who then gave us his number.”
- Matej Rimanic,
Cannes Film Festival x TikTok Grand Prix Winning Director
Meet Umberto: Your Seasoned Red Carpet Guide
Umberto Cavalier is the founder of Cavalier Media and the driving force behind the Next Step Film Festival. With a marketing background and a passion for cinema, Umberto is dedicated to empowering young talent and shaping the future of the industry.