The Next Step Film Festival Venice 2024

We are thrilled to announce that following the success of the Next Step Film Festival in Cannes earlier this year, the Venice 2024 edition delivered another unforgettable experience. This special event, held from September 3 to 6 at the iconic Lido di Venezia, celebrated talented filmmakers from across the globe, offering winners a unique platform to showcase their work and connect with key industry figures at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival.

Winners and Selected Films

At the heart of the festival’s mission is a commitment to recognizing bold, visionary storytelling. This year’s competition brought an impressive lineup of films spanning live-action, documentary, and animation. Here are the winners of the 2024 Venice edition:

Selected Films

  • Kimberly PEH, Don’t Feed the Unicorn

  • Alejandro Valenzuela, Pachamama

  • Elena Serenko, The Red Heel

  • May Lee Lindsay Brown, Hotel l’Infini

  • Chris Myhr, In-Between

  • Rolf Blank, Dildo Queen

  • Daphne Botti, Il Moro

  • Emi Ryusej, The Bell

  • Kalyn Elizabeth Wood, Screaming Silence

  • Ignazio Vacca, Reverse

  • Luana Lou Fanelli, I, Lina

Winners

  • Carmela Longo, Do Not Forget English Subtitles

  • Bertilla Polverini, Falling For You

  • Kyle Ohlendieck, Under Numb Spell

  • Cristian Patanè, Corpo e Aria

  • Giaime Spina Lewis, Blu Disincanto

  • Sejahari, The Grasp of Death

  • Scott Pickup, Boy in the Back Seat

  • Andrea Studinger, The Fools

A Unique Opportunity for Rising Filmmakers

From glamorous cocktail events at the iconic Excelsior Hotel to exclusive dinners, the festival fostered networking opportunities with influential organizations like the Cini Foundation, Rotary Club, the Bank of Asti, and the Trepuntodue Communication Agency. For many, these moments opened doors to exciting new possibilities, allowing them to connect with potential investors and mentors who could help shape the next steps of their careers.

Looking Ahead

The Venice edition closed with a captivating awards ceremony on September 6, leaving both participants and audiences inspired. These intense, exciting days served as a launchpad for fresh ideas and creative energy, proving once again that the Next Step Film Festival is not only a showcase but a true catalyst for cinematic dreams.

As we look to the future, we are eager to see how these talented young filmmakers will continue to shape the world of cinema. For anyone looking to join the journey, we invite you to stay tuned for updates and future editions, where more filmmakers will have the chance to take the next step.