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For 65 years, La Semaine de la Critique has been dedicated to discovering new talent by solely focusing its selection on first. Remaining attentive to new forms, new narratives, and fresh perspectives, wherever they may come from, is at the heart of our mission within Cannes landscape. Driven by the vitality of emerging voices worldwide, La Semaine de la Critique supports them by hosting initiatives specifically designed for up-and-coming filmmakers.
An overview of the guest programs that will shape the 65th edition, from May 13 to 21, 2026!
INSTITUT FRANÇAIS at the beach of La Semaine de la Critique - Croisette Beach
The Institut français opens a new chapter in its presence at Cannes by joining La Semaine de la Critique beach – Croisette Beach, with a program dedicated to socially engaged creation and emerging talents connecting France with the world.
In partnership with the Cannes Film Festival and the Marché du Film, it presents the 18th edition of La Fabrique Cinéma, which supports ten first or second feature projects from countries part of the global South and emerging regions. The 2026 edition is mentored by Boris Lojkine.
In partnership with the Cannes Film Festival and the Marché du Film, it presents the 18th edition of La Fabrique Cinéma, which supports ten first or second feature projects from countries part of the global South and emerging regions. The 2026 edition is mentored by Boris Lojkine.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE INSTITUT FRANÇAIS PROGRAM
| MASTERCLASS The program will open with the traditional Shoot The Book! masterclass, organized by the SCELF and the Marché du Film, this year focusing on the Spanish adaptation market. |
MEETING Professional meeting with audiovisual attachés, a morning of informal networking, will bring together representatives of the French cultural network abroad who work to promote French films across 123 territories and foster international co-productions and partnerships. |
| ROUND-TABLE Designed in collaboration with the CNC, Cinemed, and France Médias Monde, a highlight will showcase new narratives in contemporary Arab cinema, following the official launch of the 2026 Mediterranean Season implemented by the Institut français. |
ROUND-TABLE |
OTHER THEMATIC SESSIONS
Several thematic sessions will punctuate the program of this professional platform dedicated to fostering exchanges between French and international ecosystems:
- One afternoon will be dedicated to innovative distribution initiatives in Latin America and to prospects for co-production between France and Mexico.
- Another session will explore the evolving landscape of European co-productions with the Balkans, Ukraine, and the Baltic states.
- A roundtable will gather filmmakers from Iran, Syria, and Bangladesh to share their perspectives on engagement as well as their professional experiences.
- Franco-Ivorian director and producer Philippe Lacôte will present the Next Story Lab project.
- The Institut français and TV5MONDE+ will also present an official session on the Cinémathèque Afrique, in the presence of Henriette Duparc, rights holder and wife of filmmaker Henri Duparc, director of Mouna ou le rêve d’un artiste and Bal poussière, two films coming soon on the TV5MONDE+ platform.
NEXT STEP STUDIO Indonesia 2026
Building on the concept initiated by La Factory at the Directors' Fortnight, this program supports the emergence of new cinematic voices worldwide. Each year, it takes place in a different country and highlights local filmmaking by bringing together 8 emerging directors (4 local and 4 international) to co-write and co-direct 4 short films of 15 minutes each.
This year, Next Step Studio spotlights Indonesia.
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HOLY CROWD |
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ORIGINAL WOUND by Shelby Kho (Indonesia) and Sein Lyan Tun (Myanmar) Indonesia, France – 2026 – 14' – Indonesian |
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ANNISA by Reza Rahadian (Indonesia) and Sam Manacsa (Philippines) Indonesia, France – 2025 – 14' – Indonesian |
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MOTHERS ARE MOTHERING |
The four invited short films will be screened in Cannes during a dedicated screening. > read more
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| INVITATION TO THE MORELIA FESTIVAL Continuing its partnership, La Semaine de la Critique invites audiences to discover a program of four Morelia short films during a dedicated screening. |
TALENTS ADAMI CINEMA Each year, La Semaine de la Critique presents four short films directed by actors and actresses supported by Adami. |
The screening schedule for La Semaine de la Critique will be available very soon.