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.
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