The Next Step Film Festival Cannes 2026
A Cannes Experience Designed for Emerging Filmmakers
The 2026 edition of the Next Step Film Festival β Cannes brought six finalists to Cannes for a unique four-day experience during the Cannes Film Festival period. Our finalists were welcomed as special guests, with accommodation and meals provided by the festival, and had the opportunity to experience Cannes not only as filmmakers, but also from inside the international film environment.
From film screenings and Awards Ceremonies to networking and the MarchΓ© du Film, the 2026 edition was designed to give emerging filmmakers visibility, recognition, connections and a real opportunity to take their Next Step.
SIX FINALISTS. TWO GROUPS. ONE CANNES EXPERIENCE.
GROUP 1
May 13β16, 2026
Screening & Awards Ceremony
May 14 β Canopy by Hilton Cannes
GROUP 2
May 19β22, 2026
Screening & Awards Ceremony
May 21 β Hotel Martinez Cannes
Access to the MarchΓ© du Film
As part of their NSFF experience, our finalists received a special three-day Visitor Pass to the MarchΓ© du Film.
They had the opportunity to explore the international film marketplace, meet industry professionals and discover the business side of cinema.
An opportunity to connect, learn and take their Next Step.
β¨ What a Day! β¨
π₯ May 14, 2026 β Canopy by Hilton Cannes
At the stunning Canopy by Hilton Cannes, we celebrated the first day of Screening and Awards of the Next Step Film Festival β Cannes 2026.
More than 100 guests from around the world joined us to discover inspiring stories on the big screen and celebrate the talent of our filmmakers β right in the heart of the international cinema scene.
π SELECTED FILMS β Group 1
π₯ Knockoffs β Director: Asaad Abbud
π₯ Family and War β Director: Ryusei Emi
π₯ tAInted Love β Directors: Lisa M. Steadman & Brian Thomas
π₯ The Heavens and the Stars β Director: Clemence de Angelis
π₯ Quiet Loud Quiet Loud β Director: John Lewis James
π₯ Ex of Tomorrow β Director: Nicolas Benoit
π₯ The Silence of the World β Directors: Angelo Vapellari & Nicolas Pastergue
π₯ The Black Smoke of Predictionβ¦ β Director: Damir Dado Ε uΕ‘a
π₯ Off Screen β Director: Jean Paul Plaza
π₯ Dead Dreams Falling β Director: Craig Murray
π₯ Lβultimo giorno di felicitΓ β Director: Giovanni B. Algieri
π₯ The Faβaβamu Children β Director: Frank Doucet
π₯ Thanks for Your Service β Director: Jonathan Elia
π₯ Sisters of Vengeance β Director: George Montero
π₯ No Wind to Hold β Director: Mickael Abbate
π₯ A Simple Love β Director: Meggy Pyaneeandee
π₯ Marguerites Rouges β Director: Dora Greco
π₯ Why Her β Director: Jonathan Elia
π FINALISTS β Group 1 π
π Shelter Director: Mila Jeanne Miller
π Millennials Director: Ludovica Lirosi
π Mismatched Directors: CΓ©cilia Assael & Quentin Ourry
π½ SPECIAL PROJECT
Andromedas β Trailer Director: Daniel Bautista
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π₯ WELCOME PARTY
May 20th, 2026 β 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 β creating new conversations, new connections and memorable moments overlooking the Mediterranean.
A perfect beginning to the NSFF Cannes experience.
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THE MARCHΓ DU FILM EXPERIENCE
From the festival experience to the professional world of cinema
During their stay in Cannes, our finalists had access to the MarchΓ© du Film through our special three-day Visitor Pass.
They explored the many national and international pavilions, met representatives of production and distribution companies, national film commissions and other industry professionals, and experienced first-hand the business side of international cinema.
Walking through the MarchΓ© and meeting professionals offered our filmmakers a unique opportunity to experience the global film industry from the inside β not simply as spectators, but as emerging professionals.
These conversations and connections opened the door to new perspectives, ideas and potential collaborations, while giving our finalists a clearer understanding of the international film business.
For emerging filmmakers, these encounters can be an important first step towards building relationships and finding new opportunities within 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.
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β¨ What a Day! β¨
π₯ May 21st, 2026 β HΓ΄tel Martinez Cannes
The second Screenings & Awards Ceremony of NSFF Cannes 2026 took place at the iconic HΓ΄tel Martinez Cannes.
More than 120 guests from around the world gathered to discover original stories on the big screen and celebrate the talent, vision and creativity of our filmmakers.
Another unforgettable NSFF evening in the heart of Cannes.
π SELECTED FILMS β Group 2π
π Crazy Lady β Director: Daria S. Rountree
π Ceol β Director: Gary Gill
π Scriptionary β Director: Emile Biegel
π The Last Ride β Director: Teddy Joseph
π The Core β Director: Craig Murray
π Impacted β Director: John Myrick
π Aethrimus β Director: Jaspreet Singh
π Beyoond the Pane β Director: Shahab Zargari
π Company β Director: Brian Mortensen
π The Bartender: Hail Mary β Director: Dexter Harris
π Boomerman β Director: Thi Ki
π American Fabric β Director: Nyla Hazratjee
π Still 48 Degrees β Directors: Julie Shin, Bomin Ahn
π Traitor β Director: Lawrence Bucher
π Unnatural Intelligence (Micro) β Director: Mary Kaye Eisenberg
π Closer β Director: Adam Courtney
π Bubbles β Director: Meri Dishnica
π Kissing Strangers β Director: Valeria Sweet
π Greed β Director: Alvaro Pruneda
π One Last Round β Director: Romain Ozanon
π He/She/Us β Director: Susan Kelejian
π JURY PRIZE π
π Back to Normal β Director: Sam Bhat
π FINALISTS β Group 2 π
π₯ Catch the Thief: Hearts & Diamonds β Director: Howon Jung
π₯ Air de fΓͺte β Director: Andrea Floccari
π Note: We are independent from the Cannes Film Festival β but we run in the same exciting days to give our filmmakers full access to the MarchΓ© du Film and countless networking opportunities.
MORE THAN A FESTIVAL
The 2026 edition of the Next Step Film Festival β Cannes was created around one simple idea:
recognition should be the beginning, not the end.
A screening can open a door.
A conversation can create a connection.
A meeting can become an opportunity.
This is what we mean by taking the Next Step.
Looking Ahead
The festival serves as a platform where talent meets opportunity, creating an environment that inspires, connects, and propels filmmakers 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 2027 edition, we invite more storytellers to join us for another year of unforgettable cinematic experiences.