MOVIES

Next Step Film Festival: Launching Careers in Cannes’ Cinematic Spotlight

When movie magic meets the pulse of possibility, careers are born. The Next Step Film Festival (NSFF) is not just about watching films but about launching new talents into the world of cinema. Held in Cannes from May 19-22, 2025, alongside the prestigious Festival de Cannes, but runs independently from it, NSFF offers an unparalleled opportunity for emerging filmmakers and cinephiles alike to dive into the world of cinema and be part of the industry’s next generation of visionaries.

An Unforgettable Experience in Cannes

Imagine a three-day, all-accommodation-paid in Cannes on 19-20-21-22, May 2025, where you, as a selected winner or participant, will be treated like a star. Screenings take place in top-tier venues, and you’ll have the rare chance to attend Marché du Film—one of the biggest film markets in the world, where you can freely explore booths and stands from production and distribution companies, TV networks, and other industry players.
This is your chance to gather valuable insights and network with key industry figures, seizing golden opportunities that could shape your future.

This experience puts you at the heart of the film industry, surrounded by its glamour and opportunities.

Awards & Prizes: Seeking Visionary Talent

NSFF is on the lookout for bold, creative filmmakers who can push the boundaries of storytelling. Budget size doesn’t matter—what counts is your ability to create something captivating.

2024 Winners: Emerging Visionaries

In 2024, NSFF awarded several promising filmmakers. Their films, ranging from bold explorations of emotion to innovative narratives, were screened at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes. The winners were:

Jonathan Figoli, with the film DAFANIFI

Baptiste Denuit, with FEU FOLLET and GOUTTE DE PLUIE

Louise Cristiani, with KHAOS

Eleonora Marinelli, with NOSTALGIA MANIFESTO

Gael Barboza, with FUCK SISTERHOOD

Benn Flore, with A TALE ABOUT LOSS AND LOVE

Fabio Riccobono, with BEYOND THE SILENCE

Selected Films: A Showcase of Talent

In 2025 a number of films were selected for screening, representing a diverse range of genres and styles. These films showcase the diversity and talent of filmmakers from around the world, proving that the future of cinema is in good hands:

Too Young For Love
Director Chrystal Rose

2 Sides of Freedom
Director Paul D Nixon

Screaming Silence
Directors Kalyn Elizabeth Wood, Hal Wagho

The Last Beach
Director Alessandro Onorato

MÅNGATA
Director Maja Costa

REVERSE
Director Ignazio Vacca

Ndossi
Director Kristina Obame

Paramedics: Emergency Response, Season 7
Director Antonio Hrynchuk

Peccadillo
Director Sofia Garza-Barba

Sweet Molly
Director J.C. McNaughton

Paris & Basketball
Director Alejandro Narciso

Kahwa
Director Shubh Mukherjee

Weightless
Director Andrew Ogorodnikov

The Two of Us
Director Conor Struan Forrest

Nerd
Director Gustavo Andres Menese

Starlight
By Gregory Scelsa

SPITBALL
Director Jim Menza

DOMINO SPRINGS
Director Dan Hertzog

THE EAGLES DON’T FLY
Director Robin FURSTENBERGER

Trash Day
Director Ivica Marc

Love & Death
Director Greg Radi

Toby Needs a Hug
Director Jack Engelbrecht

HARLEM FRAGMENTS
Director Cameron Tyler Carr

Patriots
Director Yura Vavilov

Homefront: A Dothan Story
Director Parvi Anand

Al Bangeri
Director Moosa Nasser Alkindi

The Other’s Words
Director Corentin BURGUIERE

The Night Duty
Director Zhang

The Girl Who Faded Away
Director Brent Heise

Debt
Director Marc Svahnström

AGoodDayWillCome
Director Amir Zargara

Hag.
Director Jay Najeeah

Festival Rules & Terms

NSFF welcomes submissions of films under 30 minutes, with a special category for “short shorts” under 3 minutes. Filmmakers must ensure they have the rights to the music used in their films and submit their digital screeners via FilmFreeway or email a private YouTube or Vimeo link to info@nextstepfilmfestival.com

A Gateway to the Future of Film

The Next Step Film Festival is more than just a platform – it’s a gateway to success for filmmakers ready to break into the industry.