The first edition of Next Step Film Festival in Cannes, held alongside the world-renowned Festival de Cannes from May 20-23, 2024, brought an extraordinary opportunity to emerging filmmakers. This year, six visionary filmmakers received an all-expenses-paid invitation to showcase their work in the illustrious Hotel Martinez, Cannes, and attend exclusive screenings, culminating in an unforgettable awards ceremony on May 22.

The Next Step Film Festival Cannes 2024

Celebrating the Winners of 2024

The Next Step Film Festival awarded some of the most promising talents this year. Each filmmaker presented a unique vision and demonstrated exceptional storytelling, earning a place among the Cannes 2024 winners:

Selected Films

  • Chrystal Rose, Too Young for Love

  • Paul D Nixon, 2 Sides of Freedom

  • Kalyn Elizabeth Wood & Hal Wagho, Screaming Silence

  • Alessandro Onorato, The Last Beach

  • Maja Costa, Mångata

  • Ignazio Vacca, Reverse

  • Kristina Obame, Ndossi

  • Antonio Hrynchuk, Paramedics: Emergency Response, Season 7

  • Sofia Garza-Barba, Peccadillo

  • J.C. McNaughton, Sweet Molly

  • Alejandro Narciso, Paris & Basketball

  • Shubh Mukherjee, Kahwa

  • Andrew Ogorodnikov, Weightless

  • Conor Struan Forrest, The Two of Us

  • Gustavo Andres Menese, Nerd

  • Gregory Scelsa, Starlight

Winners

  • Jonathan Figoli, Dafanifi

  • Baptiste Denuit, Feu Follet and Goutte de Pluie

  • Louise Cristiani, Khaos

  • Eleonora Marinelli, Nostalgia Manifesto

  • Gael Barboza, Fuck Sisterhood

  • Benn Flore, A Tale About Loss and Love

  • Fabio Riccobono, Beyond the Silence

Selected Films

  • Jim Menza, Spitball

  • Dan Hertzog, Domino Springs

  • Robin Furstenberger, The Eagles Don't Fly

  • Ivica Marc, Trash Day

  • Greg Radi, Love & Death

  • Jack Engelbrecht, Toby Needs a Hug

  • Cameron Tyler Carr, Harlem Fragments

  • Yura Vavilov, Patriots

  • Parvi Anand, Homefront: A Dothan Story

  • Moosa Nasser Alkindi, Al Bangeri

  • Corentin Burguiere, The Other's Words

  • Zhang, The Night Duty

  • Brent Heise, The Girl Who Faded Away

  • Marc Svahnström, Debt

  • Amir Zargara, A Good Day Will Come

  • Jay Najeeah, Hag.

A Unique Opportunity for Rising Filmmakers

Winners 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 2025 edition, we invite more storytellers to join us for another year of unforgettable cinematic experiences.

Looking Ahead