The Next Step Film Festival Cannes 2026
A Cannes Experience Designed for Emerging Filmmakers
The 2026 edition of the Next Step Film Festival — Cannes brought six Finalists to Cannes for a unique four-day experience, completely hosted by NSFF.
The six Finalists were welcomed as our special guests, with accommodation and meals provided by the festival, and divided into two groups.
The first group stayed in Cannes from May 13th to 16th, with screenings and the Awards Ceremony taking place on May 14th at the Canopy by Hilton Cannes.
The second group joined us from May 19th to 22nd, with screenings and the Awards Ceremony held on May 21st at the iconic Hôtel Martinez Cannes.
Both experiences took place during the same period as the world-famous Festival de Cannes, giving our Finalists the opportunity to experience Cannes at one of the most important moments of the international film calendar.
Access to the Marché du Film
As part of their NSFF experience, our Finalists also received a special three-day pass to the Marché du Film, giving them the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most important film industry gatherings.
They could discover production and distribution companies, television networks and other international industry professionals, while experiencing first-hand the business side of cinema.
For emerging filmmakers, this meant more than simply attending a festival. It was an opportunity to observe, connect, exchange ideas and begin building relationships within the international film community.
✨ What a Day! ✨
🎥 May 14th, 2026 — Canopy by Hilton Cannes
The first Screenings & Awards Ceremony of NSFF Cannes 2026 took place on May 14th at the stunning Canopy by Hilton Cannes.
Filmmakers, guests and cinema enthusiasts from around the world gathered to discover new stories on the big screen and celebrate the creativity of emerging filmmakers — right in the heart of Cannes during the world’s most important film season.
🌟 SELECTED FILMS — GROUP 1
🥇 Knockoffs — Director: Asaad Abbud
🥇 Family and War — Director: Ryusei Emi
🥇 tAInted Love — Directors: 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
🏆 FINALISTS — GROUP 1
🎓 Shelter Director: Mila Jeanne Miller
🎓 Millennials Director: Ludovica Lirosi Directors:
🎓 Mismatched Cécilia Assael & Quentin Ourry
📽 SPECIAL PROJECT
Andromedas — Trailer Director: Daniel Bautista
🥂 WELCOME PARTY
May 20th, 2026 — Canopy by Hilton Cannes
The NSFF experience was not only about screenings and awards.
It was also about meeting people, sharing experiences and enjoying the unique atmosphere of Cannes together.
Our Welcome Party on the rooftop terrace of the Canopy by Hilton Cannes brought filmmakers, guests and industry professionals together in a relaxed and inspiring setting — creating new conversations, new connections and memorable moments overlooking the Mediterranean.
A perfect beginning to the NSFF Cannes experience.
Marché du Film
A Real-World Experience for Emerging Filmmakers
One of the most valuable elements of the NSFF experience is the opportunity to step beyond the screening room and discover the professional world of international cinema.
During their stay in Cannes, our Finalists had access to the Marché du Film, where they could meet production and distribution companies, national film commissions, industry professionals and representatives from international film markets.
Walking through the Marché and visiting the many national and international pavilions offered our filmmakers a unique opportunity to experience the global film industry from the inside — not simply as spectators, but as emerging professionals.
The conversations, meetings and connections made along the way opened the door to new perspectives, ideas and potential collaborations, while giving our Finalists a clearer understanding of how films move from creative concepts to international opportunities.
For emerging filmmakers, these encounters can be an important first step towards building relationships and finding their place in the international film community.
At NSFF, recognition does not end with a laurel or an award. It is an opportunity to discover the industry, meet the people who make it happen and take the next step.
✨ What a Day! ✨
🎥 May 21st, 2025 – In the stunning Hotel Martinez in Cannes, we kicked off the 2nd Day of Screenings & Awards for the NEXT STEP FILM FESTIVAL – Cannes 2025!
🌍 More than 120 guests from all over the world joined us to watch amazing stories on the big screen and celebrate the brilliant talent of our filmmakers – right in the heart of the global cinema scene.
🏆 FINALISTS – Group 2 🏆
🎓 END OF STORY – Director: Adam Mackie
🎓 THE GOOSE STEP SINKS – Director: Carlo Pellegrini
🎓 ULTIMA FERMATA – Director: Dora Greco
🎓 ECHOS – Director: Lucas Fassel
🎓 TEETH – Director: Elisa Manzini
🎓 SIEGFRIED & GÜNTHER – Director: Mark Schregle
🎓 ELSEWHERE – Director: Erin Brown
🎓 UNDER THEIR GAZE – Director: Florian Aubray
🎓 JIWA KORUP – Director: Mohd Hisham Saleh
🎓 OMEGA-PHARM – Director: Ryan Mhugs
🎓 SCARLET – Director: Sabi Liebl
🎓 CASA SUSANNA – Director: Pauline Bernard-Vernay
🎓 DERNIER MOT TUNNEL – Director: Eric Camus Dulac
🎓 BLUE BLOOD – Director: Lee Hyung Ju
🎓 FELT – Director: Branislava Dragovic
✨Jury Prize ✨
🎓 THE FOX BRIDE – Director: Emi Ryusei
🎓 CASA SUSANNA – Director: Pauline Bernard-Vernay
🎓 ASHES TO ASHES – Director: Holly Dorff
🌟 SELECTED MOVIES – Group 2🌟
🥇 Curt Samlaska - Film: FORGIVING RETRIBUTION
🥇 Eduard Rimikhanov - Film: YOU ARE SPECIAL
🥇 Ira Setiawati - Film: PLASTIC TOURISM
📌 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.
A Unique Opportunity for Rising Filmmakers
Finalists were granted exclusive access to the Marché du Film, where they could explore the booths of production and distribution companies, TV networks, and other industry leaders. This firsthand experience gave them insights into the business side of film, allowing them to network with influential figures and connect with the global film community. For these filmmakers, the festival was a golden opportunity to lay the groundwork for future projects and industry collaborations.
The festival serves as a platform where talent meets opportunity, creating an environment that inspires, educates, and propels artists forward. As these filmmakers take their next steps, the festival remains committed to its mission: elevating fresh voices and bridging the gap between new creators and seasoned professionals in the world of cinema.
As we look forward to the 2026 edition, we invite more storytellers to join us for another year of unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Looking Ahead
