Next Step
First step make a movie, next step build your career.
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-expensespaid 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
At NSFF, recognition is only the beginning.
As finalists, filmmakers receive:
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As finalists, filmmakers receive:
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An official screening of their film
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An Awards Ceremony in a prestigious Cannes venue
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A four-day, all-expenses-paid stay in Cannes
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Networking opportunities with international filmmakers and professionals
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A special three-day Visitor Pass to the Marché du Film
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Access to an international professional environment
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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.
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Awards & Prizes
Do you have what it takes to be 1 out of 6 finalists?
Picture this: a total of six finalists will enjoy a four-day, all-expenses-paid stay in Cannes. They will be divided into two sessions: the first group of three finalists will attend from May 13th to 16th, 2026, while the second group will join from May 19th to 22nd, 2026.
Both sessions will take place during the same period as the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival. You’ll be our special guest!
As our guest, you’ll enjoy screenings in top-tier venues, with the screening and awards ceremony taking place in the exclusive Hilton Hotel Cannes or Hotel Martinez, Cannes.
Additionally, with our special three days Pass, you’ll gain access to the Marché du Film, where you can freely explore booths and stands from production and distribution companies, TV networks, and other industry players. This is your chance to gather valuable insights and network with key industry figures, seizing golden opportunities that could shape your future.
Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a cinephile seeking the next big thing, the Next Step Film Festival is your ticket to an unforgettable cinematic experience.
We're on a quest to uncover the next generation of visionary storytellers.
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.
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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. (Link al capitolo nella HP)
CANNES 2027
Discover the venues, dates and festival experience. (Link a capitolo nella HP)
THE MARCHÉ DU FILM EXPERIENCE
Discover the professional side of Cannes. (Link a Past Events Next Step FF Cannes 2026 capitolo Marché du Film)
CANNES 2026 — SELECTED & FINALISTS
Meet the filmmakers and discover the films of our 2026 edition. (Link a Past Events Next Step FF Cannes 2026)
RULES & TERMS
Read the eligibility and submission requirements. (Link al capitolo Rules & Terms nella HP)
NEXT STEP FILM FESTIVAL – CANNES
Your Next Step Starts in Cannes! 🎬
🌟 SELECTED MOVIES – Group 1 🌟
🎓 Knockoffs - Director: Asaad Abbud
🎓 Family and war - Director: Ryusei Emi
🎓 tAInted love - Director: Lisa M Steadman, Brian Thomas
🎓 The heavens and the stars - Director: Clemence de Angelis
🎓 Quiet loud quiet loud - Director: John Lewis James
🎓 Ex of tomorrow - Director: Nicolas Benoit
🎓 The silence of the world - Directors: Angelo Vapellari, Nicolas Pastergue
🎓 The black smoke of prediction... - Director: Damir Dado Šuša
🎓 Off screen - Director: Jean Paul Plaza
🎓 Dead dreams falling - Director: Craig Murray
🎓 L'ultimo giorno di felicità - Director: Giovanni B. Algieri
🎓 The Fa’a’amu children - Director: Frank Doucet
🎓 Thanks for your service - Director: Jonathan Elia
🎓 Sisters of vengeance - Director: George Montero
🎓 No wind to hold - Director: Mickael Abbate
🎓 A simple love - Director: Meggy Pyaneeandee
🎓 Marguerites rouges - Director: Dora Greco
🎓 Why her - Director: Jonathan Elia
📽️ Interesting project 📽️
📽️ Andromedas (trailer)- Director: Daniel Bautista
The programming of films may undergo changes.
🌟 SELECTED MOVIES – Group 2 🌟
🎓 Crazy lady - Director: Daria S Rountree
🎓 Ceol - Director: Gary Gill
🎓 Scriptionary - Director: Emile Biegel
🎓 The last ride - Director: Teddy Joseph
🎓 The core - Director: Craig Murray
🎓 Impacted - Director: John Myrick
🎓 Aethrimus - Director: Jaspreet Singh
🎓 Beyoond the pane - Director: Shahab Zargari
🎓 Company - Director: Brian Mortensen
🎓 The bartender: Hail Mary - Director: Dexter Harris
🎓 Boomerman - Director: Thi Ki
🎓 American fabric - Director: Nyla Hazratjee
🎓 Still 48 degrees - Directors: Julie Shin, Bomin Ahn
🎓 Traitor - Director: Lawrence Bucher
🎓 Back to normal - Director: Sam Bhat
🎓 Unnatural intelligence (micro) - Director: Mary Kaye Eisenberg
🎓 Closer - Director: Adam Courtney
🎓 Bubbles - Director: Meri Dishnica
🎓 Kissing strangers - Director: Valeria Sweet
🎓 Greed - Director: Alvaro Pruneda
🎓 One last round - Director: Romain Ozanon
🎓 He/She/Us – Director: Susan Kelejian
The programming of films may undergo changes.
Picture this: A total of six finalists will enjoy a four-day, all-expenses-paid stay in Cannes. They will be divided into two sessions: the first group of three finalists will attend from May 13th to 16th, with screenings and award ceremony on the 14th, 2026 at the Hilton Hotel Cannes, while the second group will join from May 19th to 22nd with screenings and awards ceremony on the 21st, 2026 at the Hotel Martinez Cannes.
Both sessions will take place during the same period as the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival. You’ll be our special guest!
Additionally, with our special three-day Pass, you’ll gain access to the Marché du Film, where you can freely explore booths and stands from production and distribution companies, TV networks, and other industry players. This is your chance to gather valuable insights and network with key industry figures, seizing golden opportunities that could shape your future.
We're on a quest to uncover the next generation of visionary storytellers.
We're not looking for just good films; we're seeking bold expressions of creativity that push the boundaries of what seems possible. Our mission is to discover creators who harness the power of film to share their unique perspectives and captivate audiences with their fresh, innovative approach. No matter the size of your budget, we believe that true talent shines through. If you can work wonders with limited resources, we know you're ready to tackle the big leagues. We believe that providing the right guidance and mentorship can unleash everyone’s full potential.
Whether you're a filmmaker on the rise or a cinephile looking for the next big thing, the Next Step Film Festival is your ticket to an unforgettable cinematic journey.
Awards & Prizes
Do you have what it takes to be 1 out of 6 finalists?
Picture this: a total of six finalists will enjoy a four-day, all-expenses-paid stay in Cannes. They will be divided into two sessions: the first group of three finalists will attend from May 13th to 16th, 2026, while the second group will join from May 19th to 22nd, 2026.
Both sessions will take place during the same period as the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival. You’ll be our special guest!
As our guest, you’ll enjoy screenings in top-tier venues, with the screening and awards ceremony taking place in the exclusive Hilton Hotel Cannes or Hotel Martinez, Cannes.
Additionally, with our special three days Pass, you’ll gain access to the Marché du Film, where you can freely explore booths and stands from production and distribution companies, TV networks, and other industry players. This is your chance to gather valuable insights and network with key industry figures, seizing golden opportunities that could shape your future.
Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a cinephile seeking the next big thing, the Next Step Film Festival is your ticket to an unforgettable cinematic experience.
We're on a quest to uncover the next generation of visionary storytellers.
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 will receive one complimentary three-day Pass for the Marché du Film, which may be collected by a representative attending the festival.
This pass is offered in addition to the official NSFF awards & prizes.
📌 Note: We are independent from the Cannes Film Festival – but we run in the same exciting days to give our filmmakers full access to the Marché du Film and countless networking opportunities.
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.